Azathioprine for Renal Transplant

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About your Medicine

All patients who have a kidney transplant need to take drugs called immuno-supppressants. As the word immuno-suppressant suggests, the function of these drugs is to suppress the immune system, the body’s natural defence system. The aim is to dampen down the immune system enough to stop it rejecting the transplant kidney while still keeping it active enough to fight infections. Azathioprine is also taken to control vasculitis (see separate page)

Azathioprine belongs to this group of medicines. It is only available from your doctor.

You should NOT be vaccinated with some vaccines whilst receiving azathioprine. (Vaccines are injections that can be given to help prevent you from catching some diseases, for example, polio). For vaccines you can and cannot have, see the vaccine page.

NEVER stop taking azathioprine unless told to by your hospital consultant. If you stop taking azathioprine you will lose your kidney.

Taking your Medicine

You should swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water, with meals. Do not chew the tablets.

Your recommended daily dose should be taken as a single dose at tea-time.

Take the tablets exactly as directed by your doctor and read the label carefully.

If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time to take the next one, then go on as before. Never take two doses at the same time.

Your doctor will want to take regular blood samples while you are taking azathioprine to make sure you are taking the right dose.

Unwanted effects

Azathioprine may cause side effects in some patients. Most side effects are nothing to worry about. The most common side effects are feeling sick, being sick or loss of appetite. Taking the tablets with food should reduce this.

Other rare, more serious, side effects include fever, rashes and problems with the blood, liver or kidney problems which are identified by blood tests.

You are more likely to develop infections whilst receiving immuno-suppressants and any infections may be worse than normal; you should report any signs of infection to your doctor. You should also report any unexpected bruising, bleeding or rashes to your doctor.

It is best to AVOID sunbathing and use a total sunblock in sunny weather.

You are recommended to see your doctor about regular skin checks; also cervical smears for women. This is because you are more likely to develop skin or cervical cancers though these are not serious if noticed early.

Storing your medicine

Store all your tablets in their original containers, in a cool dry place out of the reach of children. Only remove them from the bottle/box when it is time to take them.

Always take your tablets as directed by your doctor and only stop them on the advice of your doctor. If you stop taking azathioprine you will lose your new kidney.

All tablets may cause side effects in some people. If you think that you are suffering from a side effect of one of your tablets, it is important NOT to stop taking the tablet but see your doctor who will be able to change that tablet for one which will suit you better.

NKF Controlled Document No. 73, Azathioprine for Renal Transplant, written 22 April 2000. Last reviewed 10 March 2010.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.

The National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349) and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735). Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.

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