Azathioprine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Imuran
Precautions While Using This MedicineIt is very important that your doctor check your progress at
regular visits
to make sure that this medicine is working properly
and to check for unwanted effects.
While you are being treated with azathioprine, and after you stop treatment
with it, it is important to see your doctor about the
immunizations (vaccinations) you should receive. Do not get any immunizations
without your doctor's approval
. Azathioprine lowers your body's resistance
to infections. For some immunizations, there is a chance you might get the
infection the immunization is meant to prevent. For other immunizations, it
may be especially important to receive the immunization to prevent a disease.
In addition, other persons living in your household should not take oral polio
vaccine since there is a chance they could pass the polio virus on to you.
Also, avoid persons who have recently taken oral polio vaccine. Do not get
close to them, and do not stay in the same room with them for very long. If
you cannot take these precautions, you should consider wearing a protective
face mask that covers the nose and mouth.
Azathioprine can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your
blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the
number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this
occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood
count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:
-
If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor
as soon as possible if you think you are getting an infection or if you get
a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful
or difficult urination.
-
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any unusual
bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; or pinpoint
red spots on your skin.
-
Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick.
Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your
teeth and gums. Check with your health care professional before having any
dental work done.
-
Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have
just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.
-
Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such
as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
-
Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury
could occur.
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