Azoran 50 Mg Tablet (20 Tab)

AZORAN 50 MG TABLET

Name:

• Brand Name: AZORAN 50 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Azathioprine

Composition: Each tablet contains Azathioprine 50 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses: AZORAN 50 MG TABLET is an immunosuppressant medication used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases and prevent organ rejection after transplantation.

• Organ Transplantation: Prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs such as kidneys, liver, heart, lung, or pancreas.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Manages conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, including:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (to reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness).
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
  • Autoimmune hepatitis.
  • Certain chronic skin problems and blood disorders.

Dosage and Administration: AZORAN 50 MG TABLET should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor.

• Typically taken once or twice a day.
• Can be taken with or without food; however, taking it after food may help reduce nausea.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew.
• Dosage for organ transplantation is usually 1 to 5 mg/kg daily, and for other conditions, it may start from 1 to 3 mg/kg daily, adjusted based on clinical response and tolerance.

Side Effects: Common side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain.
• Low blood cell count (leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia) and bone marrow suppression.
• Increased susceptibility to infections (viral, bacterial, fungal).
• Headaches, unusual fatigue, dizziness, muscle and joint pain, hair loss.

Serious side effects can include:

• Increased risk of certain cancers (e.g., skin cancer, lymphoma).
• Severe allergic reactions.
• Liver and kidney disorders.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy as it can cause fetal harm and birth defects. Avoid while breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk. Effective contraception is necessary during and for up to 3 months after treatment.
• Infections: Avoid contact with individuals who have contagious illnesses (cold, flu, chickenpox, shingles) due to suppressed immune system.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and liver toxicity.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver disease, kidney disease, severe bone marrow disease, or certain genetic disorders.
• Malignancy: Long-term use increases the risk of developing certain cancers. Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sun protection.
• Vaccinations: Avoid live vaccines while on this medication.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications being taken, especially allopurinol, mercaptopurine, warfarin, and certain muscle relaxants, as interactions can occur.

Storage:

• Store at room temperature (15-25ºC or below 30ºC).
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date.

Here are frequently asked questions about AZORAN 50 MG TABLET:

What is AZORAN 50 MG TABLET used for?

AZORAN 50 MG TABLET, containing Azathioprine, is an immunosuppressant medicine primarily used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ, such as a kidney, liver, heart, lung, or pancreas. It is also prescribed for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, including severe rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and autoimmune hepatitis.

How does AZORAN 50 MG TABLET work?

AZORAN 50 MG TABLET works by suppressing the body's immune system. Its active ingredient, Azathioprine, is converted into an active metabolite (6-mercaptopurine) in the body. This metabolite interferes with the synthesis of DNA and RNA in rapidly dividing immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, which are crucial for immune responses. By disrupting these processes, it reduces the proliferation of immune cells and their activity, thereby helping to prevent organ rejection or control autoimmune conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

What is the usual dosage of AZORAN 50 MG TABLET?

The dosage of AZORAN 50 MG TABLET is determined by a doctor based on the specific condition being treated and individual needs. It is typically taken once or twice daily, and for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, an initial daily dose of approximately 1.0 mg/kg (50 to 100 mg) is common. For organ transplant patients, maintenance doses can range from 1 to 3 mg/kg daily. It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions and not to adjust the dose without consulting them.

What are the possible side effects of AZORAN 50 MG TABLET?

Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache, unusual fatigue, and dizziness. More serious side effects include a reduced blood cell count (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), increased susceptibility to infections (viral, bacterial, fungal), and an increased risk of developing certain cancers such as lymphoma and skin cancer. Liver function abnormalities and allergic reactions can also occur. You should contact your doctor if you experience persistent or severe side effects.

Is AZORAN 50 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

AZORAN 50 MG TABLET is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it can pass to the baby and potentially cause harm, classified as a Pregnancy Category D medicine. Contraceptive methods should be used during treatment and for up to 3 months after completing it. For breastfeeding, it is generally considered unsafe as it passes into breast milk. However, some sources indicate that it can be taken if your doctor, health visitor, or midwife confirms your baby is healthy, though extra blood tests for the baby might be needed if you are on a high dose. Always discuss your pregnancy or breastfeeding status with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.

Can AZORAN 50 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

AZORAN 50 MG TABLET can interact with several other medications. It's particularly important to inform your doctor if you are taking allopurinol or febuxostat (used for gout), mercaptopurine (a chemotherapy drug), ribavirin (for hepatitis C), sulfasalazine or olsalazine (for inflammatory conditions), or warfarin (a blood thinner). Live vaccines should generally be avoided while taking this medicine due to the immunosuppressive effect. Always inform your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

What precautions should be taken while on AZORAN 50 MG TABLET?

Regular blood tests are essential to monitor blood cell counts and liver function due to the potential for bone marrow suppression and liver damage. Due to increased risk of skin cancer, avoid excessive sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen with a high protection factor. As your immune system will be suppressed, avoid close contact with individuals who have contagious illnesses. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of liver damage and dizziness. Do not stop taking AZORAN 50 MG TABLET suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to adverse effects or organ rejection. Inform your doctor about any pre-existing conditions like liver or kidney problems, serious blood disorders, or a deficiency of the TPMT enzyme.

What happens if a dose of AZORAN 50 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of AZORAN 50 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. Missing doses can cause the medication to be less effective over time.

How should AZORAN 50 MG TABLET be stored?

AZORAN 50 MG TABLET should be stored at room temperature, typically between 15-25°C (59-77°F), protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use this medicine after its expiry date.