Specifically, it inhibits the process of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) formation in the body, and selectively inhibits the activity of certain white blood cells that play a role in the body’s immune system. Some people remain on it indefinitely 6-thioguanine triphosphate, a metabolite of azathioprine, modulates activation of rac1 when costimulated with CD28, inducing T cell apoptosis. These include vaccines for polio, yellow fever, tuberculosis, German measles and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella). Patients with low activity of TMPT should not be treated with azathioprine because they could experience more toxic affects from administration of this medication. Azathioprine is a medication used in the treatment of Azathioprine is part of a group of medications known as thiopurines which are It is a slow-acting drug and can take 3-6 months before any effect is noticed. Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money Azathioprine decreases the metabolism of purines and may inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis as well. This allows the dose of steroids to be reduced as the azathioprine takes effect. Since ulcerative colitis is an Not all patients with ulcerative colitis should be treated with azathioprine. However, experts believe it can be taken where the benefits outway the risksIf you have liver or kidney problems you should inform your doctor and you may need to be monitored while taking the medication or be given different medicationYou can be allergic to azathioprine. It is used in rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, and in kidney transplants to prevent rejection. You may also be screened for immunity to some viruses and infections as your immune system function is lower when taking azathioprine.There are different brands of azathioprine available. To assess the effects of azathioprine on body weight of mice, colitis was induced with 3% DSS for 4 days in the presence of azathioprine (DSS/azathioprine) or vehicle control (DSS/vehicle). For severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis patients, we recommend the administration of azathioprine in addition to conventional therapies for cyclosporine responders. It is effective because it alters the body’s immune system. If you do experience any of these, or if you experience a new symptom that is not listed below, you should inform your doctor.Why not sign up to our mailing list and receive regular articles and tips about IBD to your inbox.Why not sign up to our mailing list and receive regular articles and tips about IBD to your inbox?An increased risk of infections. It has also been used for closure of fistulas (11)and for local treatment of distal disease in the form of enemas (12,13). These people may be given allopurinol to take as well. The symptoms of an allergy are listed in the section aboveIf you are taking other medication you should inform your doctor. You can have a flu vaccine as long as it is the inactivated versionAzathioprine is often used as a long-term maintenance drug (to keep someone in remission). MECHANISM OF ACTION. You should also avoid contact with people who have illnesses such as chicken poxIf you are male or female taking azathioprine and want to have a baby you should discuss this with your doctor before getting pregnant or if you find out you or your partner are pregnant. Azathioprine reduces the number of white blood cells in the body - the immune system relies on these white blood cells and by reducing them it interrupts the immune system’s function. You should avoid sunbeds, strong sunlight and use suncream with a high SPFYou may get ill more. As azathioprine suppresses the immune system you may find that you pick up more colds, coughs, infections and other illnesses and find it hard to get rid of them or they may develop into more serious illnesses. These include:As with any medication there are potential side effects of taking azathioprine.