Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Concurrent manifestations of azathioprine hypersensitivity." Leukopenia (less than 2500/mm3 [2.5 x 10(9)/L]) has been reported in 16% of renal homograft recipients and 5.3% of rheumatoid arthritis patients.There are data to support an increased risk of bone marrow aplasia in patients with very low or absent thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) activity. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Int J Dermatol 33 (1994): 19879. Am J Gastroenterol 98 (2003): 1305-839.

Loftus CG, Loftus EV, Tremaine WJ, Sandborn WJ "The safety profile of Azathioprine (AZA)/6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): a population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota." Imuran tablets contain a black box warningrelated to the possibility of developing a specific kind of cancer. Our Imuran (azathioprine) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication. A single-centre experience from Australia." J Rheumatol 33 (2006): 185-791. Millard PR, Herbertson BM, Evans DB, Calne RY "Azathioprine hepatotoxicity in renal transplantation." Changes in hair color and texture along with hair loss -- these changes are usually temporary. Thorax 38 (1983): 951-272. Mayo Clin Proc 83 (2008): 1026-3081. Side effects of Imuran may include: Stomach irritation. Cunningham T, Barraclough D, Muirden K "Azathioprine-induced shock." Small P, Lichter M "Probably azathioprine hepatotoxicity: a case report."

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. HermannsLe T, Pierard GE "Azathioprine-induced skin peeling syndrome." Black, tarry stools 2. bleeding gums 3. blood in the urine or stools 4. chest pain 5. chills 6. cough 7. fever 8. hoarseness 9. lower back or side pain 10. painful or difficult urination 11. pinpoint red spots on the skin 12. sore throat 13. sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth 14. swollen glands 15. unusual bleeding or bruising 16. unusual tiredness or weakness

Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Gastroenterology 122 (2002): 72-7752. The risk of developing cancer should be weighed against the risk of not treating the IBD with this drug. Cases of hematuria secondary to azathioprine-induced crystalluria may be less common with high urine output.A reduction in the incidence of chronic allograft nephropathy has been reported during the extended follow-up (greater than or equal to 10 years) of patients (n=128) participating in a randomized trial that examined the conversion from A 47-year-old female with Wegener's granulomatosis experienced rapid progression of renal failure within 10 days of starting azathioprine for vasculitis. According to a study published in 2010, taking azathioprine was associated with a greater risk of lymphomas but not other types of cancers. Transplant Proc 27 (1995): 1739-427. Mion F, Napoleon B, Berger F, Chevallier M, Bonvoisin S, Descos L "Azathioprine induced liver disease: nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver and perivenous fibrosis in a patient treated for multiple sclerosis."

Saway PA, Heck LW, Bonner JR, Kirklin JK "Azathioprine hypersensitivity: case report and review of the literature." Her renal function started improving by day 6 post-admission and at one month post-admission her serum creatinine was 116 mcmol/L. Duttera MJ, Carolla RL, Gallelli JF, et al "Hematuria and crystalluria after high-dose 6-mercaptopurine administration." All rights reserved. Tell your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away: feeling sick (mild nausea) headaches; Serious side effects. Mayo Clin Proc 78 (2003): 1412-588. Clin Exp Dermatol 20 (1995): 353-676. Sobesky R, Dusoleil A, Condat B, Bedossa P, Buffet C, Pelletier G "Azathioprine-induced destructive cholangitis." Kidney Int 64 (2003): 1027-3493. Ask your doctor about skin symptoms to watch for. El-Azhary RA, Brunner KL, Gibson LE "Sweet syndrome as a manifestation of azathioprine hypersensitivity."