Azathioprine (Sandoz)
What it is used for
Immunosuppressant antimetabolite: either alone, or more commonly, in combination with other agents (usually corticosteroids) and procedures which influence the immune response. Therapeutic effect may be evident only after weeks or months and can include a steroid-sparing effect, thereby reducing the toxicity associated with higher dosage and prolonged usage of corticosteroids. Azathioprine, in combination with cortocosteroids and/or other immunosuppressive agents and procedures, is indicated in the management of patients receiving organ transplants. Azathioprine, either alone or more usually in combination with corticosteroids and/or other procedures, has been used with clinical benefit which may include reduction of dosage or discontinuation of corticosteroids, in a proportion of patients suffering from the following: severe rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, pemphigus vulgaris, polyarteritis nodosa, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Shelf lifetime is 2 Years.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Light
- Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Shelf lifetime is 2 Years.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Light
- Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient azathioprine
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Do I need a prescription?
This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
Visual appearance
Round, biconvex white to yellowish white film-coated tablets, with one-sided breaking notch.
Images are the copyright of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on March 1, 2020. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.