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Proper Use
Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Taking too much may increase the chance of side effects, while taking too little may not properly treat your condition.
This medicine is sometimes given together with certain other medicines. If you are using a combination of medicines, make sure that you take each one at the proper time and do not mix them up. Ask your health care professional to help you plan a way to remember to take your medicines at the right times.
Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Azathioprine sometimes causes nausea or vomiting. Taking this medicine after meals or at bedtime may lessen stomach upset. Ask your health care professional for other ways to lessen these effects.
If you vomit shortly after taking a dose of azathioprine, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again or to wait until the next scheduled dose.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For transplant rejection:
- Adults, teenagers, and children: Dose is based on body weight or size. The usual beginning dose is 3 to 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (1.5 to 2 mg per pound) of body weight a day. As time goes on, your doctor may lower your dose to 1 to 3 mg per kg (0.5 to 1.5 mg per pound) of body weight a day.
- For rheumatoid arthritis:
- Adults, teenagers, and children: Dose is based on body weight or size. The usual beginning dose is 1 mg per kg (0.5 mg per pound) of body weight a day. Your doctor will increase this dose as needed. The highest dose is usually not more than 2.5 mg per kg (1 mg per pound) of body weight a day. Your doctor may then lower your dose as needed.
- For transplant rejection:
- For injection dosage form:
- For transplant rejection:
- Adults, teenagers, and children: Dose is based on body weight or size. The usual beginning dose is 3 to 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (1.5 to 2 mg per pound) of body weight a day. As time goes on, your doctor may lower your dose to 1 to 3 mg per kg (0.5 to 1.5 mg per pound) of body weight a day.
- For transplant rejection:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you are taking more than one dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is time for your next dose, take both doses together, then go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss more than one dose, check with your doctor.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
