Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive used for treating a variety of autoimmune diseases. In dogs azathioprine can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, immune mediated anemia, colitis, immune mediated skin disease, certain types of kidney disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. In cats, azathioprine is sometimes used with extreme caution in cats to treat autoimmune skin diseases. Azathioprine may also be used for purposes other than those listed here. Azathioprine is a prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. Azathioprine is available as 50 mg tablets. The usual dose of azathioprine can vary and is dependent on the type of condition being treated.
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Azathioprine for Dogs & Cats - 50mg (100 tabs) (Manufacturer may vary) - [Immune Health]
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Description
Azathioprine is a prescription immunosuppressant medication. It works by lowering the body's immune system responses and is commonly used in the treatment autoimmune diseases such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, and certain kinds of cancer. Your veterinarian may prescribe a medication like azathioprine if your pet has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or similar condition.
Key Benefits
- Treats autoimmune diseases including those involving the skin, blood, or multiple body systems
- For dogs and cats
- Can be used in conjunction with other drugs to suppress the immune system
- Easy-to-administer tablet
How It Works
Azathioprine is used to suppress cells involved in autoimmune diseases. Examples of these diseases include Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, arthritis, skin diseases, chronic liver inflammation, certain kidney diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Indications
Azathioprine tablets, USP are indicated as an adjunct for the prevention of rejection in renalhomotransplantation. It is also indicated for the management of active rheumatoid arthritis to reducesigns and symptoms.
Directions
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Azathioprine may be given with food or without food. Do not abruptly stop giving azathioprine. Azathioprine needs to be tapered off over several months according to your veterinarian's directions. Store azathioprine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
Caution:
Do not give this medication to breeding or pregnant pets.
Precautions:
As azathioprine is a powerful immunosuppressive drug, prescription and administration of this drug should be done with utmost care. Animals allergic to Azathioprine should not be treated with this medication. Cats are highly vulnerable to its immuno suppressant actions hence should only be given very low doses, that too only if found extremely essential. Azathioprine could interact with other medications such as some muscle relaxants and allopurinolDogs and cats could be susceptible to azathioprine as they do not have enzymes to metabolize azathioprine. So it is recommended to get their blood tests done regularly to verify the number of blood cells.
Possible Side Effects:
Symptoms like lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite should be brought to the notice of the veterinarian immediately. It is common for the animals on azathioprine to develop transient diarrhea, which should be of no concern unless the diarrhea continues for long. In some animals, vomiting due to the drug-induced condition of pancreatitis is also seen, which should be attended to promptly.
Storage:
Store azathioprine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
FAQ
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver or pancreatic disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is breeding or pregnant.
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Azathioprine may be given with food or without food. Do not abruptly stop giving azathioprine. Azathioprine needs to be tapered off over several months according to your veterinarian's directions. Store azathioprine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
Side effects that can occur are related to suppression of bone marrow and can include; anemia, pale gums, weakness, lethargy, bruising or bleeding tendencies, decreased white blood cell counts, increased risk of infection. Signs of infection may include; abnormal breathing, fever, depression, lameness, change in urination, diarrhea. Other side effects that can occur include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, pancreatitis, jaundice. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of azathioprine overdose include bleeding, bruising, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
Azathioprine can be absorbed through the skin. Pet owners should wear gloves when giving this medication and wash hands afterwards. Pregnant pet owners should not handle this medication unless wearing rubber gloves. Azathioprine should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use azathioprine with caution in animals with liver or pancreatic disease. Do not use in breeding or pregnant animals. Azathioprine suppresses the pet's immune system making the pet more susceptible to infections.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given ACE inhibitors (benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril), Allopurinol, Sulfasalazine, SMZ/TMP, and warfarin. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with azathioprine. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including vitamins, and supplements.
