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Pet Medication Home -> Azathioprine
"How
To Protect Your Dog From Pain and Suffering - Buy Azathioprine"
A new approach to treat and relieve your
dog's pain is now close to your hand thanks to Azathioprine tablets,
an immunosuppressive prescription drug that is chemically related
to some anti-cancer chemotherapy agents and it is usually prescribed
to treat a number of autoimmune diseases. These include the destruction
of red blood cells leading to anemia in dogs (Hemolytic anemia),
the low blood platelets needed for normal blood clotting (Thrombocytopenia),
also in systemic lupus erythematosus and immune system disorders
of the stomach and intestine such as inflammatory bowel diseases,
chronic liver inflammation, chronic active hepatitis and certain
kidney diseases (glomerulonephritis).
This medication is used to suppress cells involved
in skin, blood, or multiple body systems autoimmune diseases, as
well as in the treatment of arthritis when associated with autoimmune
disease, skin diseases, such as pemphigus, and myasthenia gravis,
and autoimmune disease affecting the junction of nerves and muscles.
Azathioprine suppresses the immune system by interfering with the
metabolism of immune and lymphocytes, the antibody-producing cells.
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Finding
You The Best Deals for Azathioprine |
Azathioprine often is administered in combination
with corticosteroids or other cortisone-like drugs in a treatment
which duration depends on the condition being treated, the response
to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. It
should be used very cautiously and at low doses in cats, particularly
susceptible to the suppressive effects of this medication. For dogs,
Azathioprine is generally safe and effective if prescribed by your
veterinarian, since it is a potent immunosuppressive drug that can
suppress the immune system severely and reduce the production of
needed blood cells.
Azathioprine may interact with other medications such
as certain muscle relaxants and allopurinol. Nobody is better than
your veterinarian to determine if any other drug that your pet is
receiving could cause any problem and if it must be suppressed during
treatment. In the same way, Azathioprine must not be prescribed
to animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. It
is common for animals to develop transient diarrhea or loose stools
with the oral treatment as a mild side effect; if this condition
persists for more than a few days after starting treatment, please
notify your veterinarian.
Symptoms of side or adverse effect may include reluctance
to move, lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. If your pet vomits
in association with azathioprine treatment, report it to your veterinarian
because it may be a sign of a drug-induced effect such as pancreatitis.
Around 10 percent of dogs and all cats may be extremely sensitive
to azathioprine because they lack enzymes to metabolize the active
ingredient of this drug. If your pet receives an Azathioprine treatment,
don't forget to perform a blood test periodically to check the numbers
of blood cells.
 What
the vet says
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive often used in combination
with other medications to suppress the immune system when treating
diseases such hemolytic anemia, certain types of kidney disease,
lupus and rheumatoid arthritis as well as autoimmune skin diseases. |
Azathioprine FAQ
Generic Name
Azathioprine (aza-thigh-oh-preen)
Brand Name(s)
Imuran (Prometheus), Azasan (AAIPharma)
What is Azathioprine used for?
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive often used in combination with
other medications to suppress the immune system when treating diseases
such hemolytic anemia, certain types of kidney disease, lupus and
rheumatoid arthritis as well as autoimmune skin diseases.
Availability
Azathioprine is available by prescription as tablets.
How should Azathioprine be used?
Azathioprine is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine;
however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to
use this medication in dogs and cats. The usual dose is dependant
on the condition being treated and the animal’s response to
treatment.
What are the side effects
Side effects of azathioprine include suppression of bone marrow
which may cause anemia, pale gums, weakness, lethargy, bruising,
and increased risk for infection due to decreased white blood cells.
Other side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, pancreatitis
and jaundice.
What special precautions are there
This medication should not be used in animals allergic to it. Do
not use in breeding or pregnant animals. Use with caution in animals
with liver or pancreatic disease. Do not use modified live vaccines
in animals being treated with azathioprine. Use with caution when
given with allopurinol (Zyloprim). Azathioprine can be absorbed
through skin. Pet owners are advised to wear gloves when giving
this medication and to wash hands afterwards, especially if tablets
are being split or crushed. Pregnant owners should not handle this
medication. Always tell your veterinarian and pharmacist what other
medications, including vitamins and supplements, your pet is taking.
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