"Azathioprine": analogues, price, instructions and references

Autoimmune diseases are a group of pathological conditions in which there is an increased activity of the immune system against one's body. In order to reduce the immune response, prescribe drugs that depress the immune system. This group of drugs is indispensable in transplantology to prevent rejection of the graft. Let's analyze a preparation such as "Azathioprine", analogues of this drug, instruction on its use and its features.

Pharmacological characteristics

In its composition, the drug "Azathioprin" contains the same active substance. This chemical compound is a derivative of substances necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Entering the body, azathioprine disrupts the synthesis of DNA and, accordingly, inhibits the processes of cell division in tissues. The decrease in the activity of the immune system is due to the influence of the drug "Azathioprine" on the lymphoid tissue.

At the same time, the processes of cell division and cellular response of immunity are suppressed. After the introduction of the drug "Azathioprine" in the body, there is a decrease in the number of atypical phagocytes and a decrease in the synthesis of immunoglobulins. Let's further analyze the information: what are the characteristics of the drug "Azathioprine", analogs, price, instructions for use.

Pharmacokinetics

The drug is very effectively absorbed into the systemic circulation, and its maximum concentration is observed after 2 hours after oral administration. The drug is not particularly tropen to plasma proteins: its binding to them reaches 30%. Azathioprine is characterized by the effect of primary metabolism, or primary passage through the liver.

Passing through hepatocytes, the drug is metabolized to the active compound - mercaptopurine, which has pharmacodynamic effects. Almost completely the drug is excreted from the body with bile. With urine, not more than 2% of the drug is excreted.

Indications for use

The drug "Azathioprine", analogues with the same active ingredient are indicated for use in transplantology to prevent the reaction of rejection of the graft.

Also, this drug is effectively used in rheumatological practice for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases such as hepatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, thrombocytopenic purpura, pemphigus, and many others.

Contraindications

The drug "Azathioprine" is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to the drug component. Due to the fact that the drug depresses all germs of hematopoiesis, "Azathioprine" is contraindicated in diseases of the blood (anemia, leukocyte and lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia), as well as in pregnant and lactating women.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The active substance penetrates into the breast milk and through the hematoplacental barrier. In this regard, it is not recommended to use in pregnant and lactating women. If it is necessary to prescribe the drug or its analogues in this category of persons, it is necessary to assess the risk from the benefits of using the drug and the potential harm to the mother and fetus. When appointing funds during breastfeeding, the latter must be canceled.

Application Features

The drug and its analogs should be used with caution in individuals suffering from chicken pox, as well as in patients with xanthine oxidase deficiency.

Side effects

The main group of side effects is associated with oppression of the bone marrow function responsible for the production of blood cells. When using analogues containing azathioprine, there is an increase in the size of cells in the blood, a decrease in the number of leukocytes, platelets, anemia.

On the part of the intestinal tract, the most common side effects are: a decrease in appetite, disorder of the stool, a violation of the functional state of the liver, ulcerative lesions of the intestinal tract. Possible damage to hepatocytes with a subsequent increase in bilirubin and other hepatic samples. Patients who underwent an operation for transplanting organs and tissues may develop pancreatitis, ulcerative lesions of the stomach, intestines, development of toxic hepatitis.

Allergic reactions occur very rarely when the drug "Azathioprine" is administered, analogues based on it (for example, "Imuran"). Manifestations are not expressed, mainly due to skin rashes or febrile conditions.

Among other side effects it is necessary to note the development of secondary infectious processes in the body, the appearance of muscle and joint pain, acute renal functional insufficiency. In some severe cases, the drug "Azathioprine", analogs with the same name of the active substance can cause hemolytic anemia, to give symptoms from the central nervous system. Azathioprine as an active drug substance, included in the drug of the same name and its analogs, has a pronounced effect on the fetus (teratogenic and mutagenic effects), and it is also capable of provoking the appearance of tumor processes with their subsequent malignancy. Thus, it is necessary to study the prescription of the drug "Azathioprin" (tablets) reviews, description, analogues of the drug and choose the right tactics. Running ahead, we note that azathioprine as an active substance has positive effects on the course of diseases, according to the testimony. This is indicated not only by the treating doctors, but also by the patients themselves.

"Azatioprine" - synonyms, analogues

Azathioprine is a unique substance with immunosuppressive effect. Therefore, preparations containing azathioprine are not very widely represented in the pharmaceutical market. Analogues of "Azathioprine" can be represented by such a medicinal product as "Imuran".

This drug is available in tablet form with a similar content of azathioprine. The only nuance is the cost of the drug "Imuran", which can be 4-5 times higher than the cost of "Azathioprine" of Russian production.

Poisoning and overdose

Overdosing of the drug "Azathioprine" and its analogue "Imuran" is manifested by disorders from the intestinal tract, suppression of bone marrow function, as well as increased hepatic tests. The treatment of poisoning by the drug itself and its analogues is symptomatic, aimed at the speedy removal of the drug from the body. There is no specific antidote. Dialysis methods of detoxification are partially effective, since the active substance with their help is not completely eliminated from the body.

special instructions

The drug and its analogs are not recommended for long-term use. At the very beginning of treatment, continuous monitoring of the cellular composition of peripheral blood, as well as control of hepatic enzymes, is necessary.

In the future, from daily monitoring leave, conducting monitoring studies once or twice a month.

Conclusion

This medicine and its analogs may be prescribed only by an experienced specialist. Before starting the medication, you need to undergo a complete examination and, possibly, support therapy. Additional information is given when prescribing the drug "Azathioprine" instructions for use. Price, analogues of this remedy are also often worried about patients. So, the minimum cost of 50 tablets is in the region of 250-300 rubles, and the analogs are mentioned above. Before you start taking it is necessary to weigh all the pros and cons and start treatment.