Side Effects of Azathioprine (Cont.)

Common Side Effects of Azathioprine

Azathioprine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common azathioprine side effects included:
 
  • Leukopenia (low levels of a certain type of white blood cells called leukocytes) -- in up to 50 percent of people
  • Infections -- up to 20 percent
  • Nausea and vomiting -- up to 12 percent.
     

Rare Azathioprine Side Effects

There are other side effects of azathioprine that can occur less frequently. Because these side effects are so uncommon, it is difficult to tell whether they are because of azathioprine or something else.
 
These side effects include but are not limited to:
 

Side Effects of Azathioprine: Final Thoughts

You may experience some or none of the side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be an azathioprine side effects, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

Pages:

Previous 1 2

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;