Buy Generic Imuran Online

Generic Imuran Information

Introduction

Imuran is a prescription medication that contains the active compound azathioprine. It is primarily used as an immunosuppressant to manage a range of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. In the United Kingdom, Imuran is prescribed by specialists and monitored under the guidance of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Although classified by the supplier under the broader “Pain Relief” group because of its ability to reduce inflammatory pain, its core therapeutic action is to suppress inappropriate immune activity rather than to act as a conventional analgesic.

What is Imuran?

Imuran is a tablet formulation that delivers azathioprine, a purine analogue that interferes with DNA synthesis in rapidly proliferating cells, especially lymphocytes. The drug was first developed in the 196s by the pharmaceutical company Roche and later marketed under several brand names, including Imuran, Azasan, and Azathioprine‑Teva. It is manufactured in facilities that comply with European Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is distributed in the UK through licensed wholesalers.

Imuran is a brand‑name product containing the same active compound as other azathioprine preparations; it is used when a clinician has selected azathioprine as the appropriate immunosuppressive agent for a patient.

How Imuran Works

Azathioprine is a pro‑drug that is converted in the body to 6‑mercaptopurine (6‑MP) and subsequently to thioguanine nucleotides. These metabolites become incorporated into the DNA of dividing cells, leading to inhibition of purine synthesis. The result is a reduced proliferation of T‑ and B‑lymphocytes, the cells chiefly responsible for the pathological immune responses in autoimmune disease.

Because the drug acts at the cellular level, its therapeutic effect builds gradually. Clinical improvement is typically observed after 2–4 weeks of continuous therapy, with maximal immunosuppression reached after several months. Azathioprine has a half‑life of approximately 5 hours for the parent compound, but the active thioguanine nucleotides persist intracellularly for days, providing sustained immunomodulation.

Conditions Treated with Imuran

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Approximately 500,000 adults in the UK live with RA. Azathioprine can be added when disease‑modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate are insufficient or contraindicated.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): SLE affects around 200,000 people in the UK. Azathioprine helps control organ‑specific flares, particularly renal and cutaneous manifestations.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: Over 300,000 UK patients benefit from azathioprine as a maintenance therapy to keep remission.
• Dermatological autoimmune disorders: Conditions such as vitiligo, pemphigus vulgaris, and severe psoriasis may respond to azathioprine when topical or first‑line systemic agents fail.
• Organ transplantation (off‑label in some settings): Though not a first‑line transplant agent in the UK, azathioprine has historically been used to prevent graft rejection, especially in combination with corticosteroids.

The drug’s effectiveness derives from its capacity to dampen the immune system’s overactivity, thereby reducing inflammation, tissue damage, and associated pain.

Who is Imuran For?

Imuran is appropriate for adult patients who require long‑term immunosuppression for the conditions listed above. Typical candidates include:

• Individuals with moderate‑to‑severe rheumatoid arthritis who have an inadequate response to first‑line DMARDs.
• Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus experiencing renal, neuro‑psychiatric, or severe cutaneous disease despite hydroxychloroquine.
• Adults with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis in remission who need a steroid‑sparing maintenance strategy.
• Adults with refractory dermatological autoimmune disorders where other systemic therapies are unsuitable.

Imuran is not recommended for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless the benefits outweigh the known fetal risks.
• Patients with known hypersensitivity to azathioprine or its metabolites.
• Individuals with severe hepatic impairment, significant bone marrow suppression, or active infection.
• Patients with a history of malignancy unless a specialist explicitly advises its use.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Mild leukopenia (reduced white blood cell count)
• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
• Fatigue or dizziness

Rare

• Pancreatitis (abdominal pain, elevated amylase)
• Photosensitivity reactions
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness)

Serious

• Severe bone‑marrow suppression leading to agranulocytosis or aplastic anemia
• Hepatotoxicity presenting as jaundice or hepatitis
• Opportunistic infections (e.g., cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii)
• Increased risk of certain malignancies, notably lymphoma and skin cancers

Drug–drug interactions

• Allopurinol and other xanthine oxidase inhibitors markedly increase azathioprine toxicity; dose reduction of azathioprine is mandatory.
• Warfarin: azathioprine may potentiate anticoagulant effects, requiring INR monitoring.
• Mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate: concurrent use heightens bone‑marrow suppression.
• Live vaccines: contraindicated while on azathioprine due to impaired immune response.

Patients should inform their prescriber of all concomitant medicines, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing: 1–3 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into one or two doses. For rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, clinicians often start at 1 mg/kg and titrate upward based on laboratory monitoring.
• Initiation: Some physicians begin with a lower “test” dose (e.g., 50 mg daily) for the first week to assess tolerance.
• Missed dose: If a dose is missed by less than 12 hours, take it as soon as remembered. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and profound bone‑marrow suppression. Immediate medical attention is required; activated charcoal may be administered in the emergency department.

Precautions

• Take Imuran with a meal or a glass of water to minimise gastrointestinal irritation.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, which can worsen liver toxicity.
• Regular laboratory monitoring (full blood count, liver function tests, renal function) is mandatory, typically every 2–4 weeks during dose adjustments and then quarterly.
• Patients with thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) deficiency are at high risk of toxicity; TPMT activity testing is recommended before initiating therapy.

Buying Imuran from Our Online Pharmacy

Imuran can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the United Kingdom. Our service offers several advantages for patients who need reliable access to this essential medication:

• Affordable pricing: We source Imuran at near‑manufacturer cost, passing the savings directly to you.
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FAQ

• Is Imuran available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. Imuran is the brand name, but the same active compound, azathioprine, is sold under generic labels such as Azasan and Azathioprine‑Teva. Generic versions contain identical amounts of azathioprine and are typically less expensive.

• How should Imuran be stored to maintain its potency?
  Store the tablets at controlled room temperature (15‑30 °C). Keep them in their original blister pack, away from moisture, direct sunlight, and heat sources such as radiators. Do not refrigerate.

• Can I travel internationally while taking Imuran?
  You may travel with Imuran, but it is advisable to carry a copy of the prescribing information and a letter from your clinician. Keep the medication in your carry‑on bag to avoid temperature extremes in checked luggage.

• What are the inactive ingredients in Imuran tablets?
  Common excipients include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide. Patients with lactose intolerance should discuss alternatives with their prescriber.

• Is a TPMT test required before starting Imuran?
  TPMT (thiopurine methyltransferase) testing is recommended because low enzyme activity significantly raises the risk of bone‑marrow toxicity. In the UK, many clinicians order this test as part of the baseline work‑up.

• Does Imuran affect blood tests for other conditions?
  Azathioprine can cause transient elevations in liver enzymes and mild reductions in white blood cells, which may be misinterpreted as disease activity. Inform the laboratory of your medication to ensure appropriate reference ranges are applied.

• Can Imuran be used in patients with chronic kidney disease?
  Dose adjustment is often necessary for moderate to severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min). The drug’s metabolites accumulate, increasing toxicity risk, so a nephrologist should guide dosing.

• Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Imuran?
  No strict restrictions exist, but patients should avoid excessive intake of grapefruit juice, which can interfere with hepatic metabolism of azathioprine. A balanced diet supporting liver health is advisable.

• What should I do if I experience unexplained bruising while on Imuran?
  Unexplained bruising may indicate thrombocytopenia. Contact your healthcare provider promptly for repeat blood counts; dosage reduction or temporary discontinuation may be required.

• Is it safe to receive the seasonal flu vaccine while on Imuran?
  Inactivated (non‑live) flu vaccines are considered safe and are recommended for patients on immunosuppressants. Live vaccines, such as the nasal spray influenza vaccine, should be avoided.

• How does Imuran differ from methotrexate in treating rheumatoid arthritis?
  Methotrexate primarily inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, affecting DNA synthesis in a broader cell population, while Imuran’s active metabolites target purine synthesis selectively in lymphocytes. The choice depends on disease severity, side‑effect profile, and patient comorbidities.

• What is the typical time frame for blood monitoring after starting Imuran?
  Baseline labs are taken before the first dose. Follow‑up full blood counts and liver function tests are performed at 2 weeks, then at 4 weeks, and subsequently every 3 months if stable.

Glossary

Immunosuppressant

A class of drugs that reduce the activity of the immune system, preventing it from attacking the body’s own tissues.

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT)

An enzyme that metabolises azathioprine; low activity predisposes patients to severe bone‑marrow toxicity.

Bone‑marrow suppression

A decrease in the production of blood cells (red cells, white cells, platelets) caused by medication or disease, leading to anemia, infection risk, or bleeding tendencies.

Half‑life

The time required for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to reduce by 50 %.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Imuran is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Imuran for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.