Azathioprine for Dogs & Cats - 50mg (100 tabs) (Manufacturer may vary) - [Immune Health]

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.

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.