Consumer medicine information

Azathioprine Sandoz

Azathioprine

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Azathioprine Sandoz

Active ingredient

Azathioprine

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Azathioprine Sandoz.

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Azathioprine Sandoz.

It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.

What Azathioprine Sandoz is used for

Azathioprine Sandoz contains azathioprine as the active ingredient. Azathioprine belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants.

This medicine is used to help prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ such as a kidney, liver or heart. It works by suppressing the body's immune defence system.

Azathioprine Sandoz can also be used to treat other diseases called autoimmune diseases where your immune system is reacting against your own body.

These may include:

  • severe rheumatoid arthritis
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • chronic active hepatitis
  • certain skin, muscle and blood diseases.

Azathioprine Sandoz is usually taken in combination with other medicines such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

This medicine is not addictive.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

Before you take Azathioprine Sandoz

When you must not take it

Do not take this medicine if you have an allergy to:

  • azathioprine, the active ingredient, or to any of the other ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet under Product Description
  • any other similar medicines such as 6-mercaptopurine (Puri-Nethol®).

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

  • shortness of breath
  • wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
  • rash, itching or hives on the skin.

Do not take this medicine if you have been previously treated with alkylating agents (such as chlorambucil, melphalan or cyclophosphamide) for rheumatoid arthritis.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, intend to become pregnant or to father a child. This medicine may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception. It may also affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy. You and your partner should take adequate contraceptive precautions while you are taking Azathioprine Sandoz.

Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits involved.

It is not recommended for use while breastfeeding as it may cause serious side effects to your baby.

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to take it

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:

  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • spleen disorder
  • a history of chickenpox or shingles
  • hepatitis B
  • a condition where your body produces too little of the natural chemical called thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT)
  • Lesch-Nyhan syndrome
  • any other medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you have recently been vaccinated or immunised, or plan to do so. Azathioprine Sandoz may affect the way the vaccine works or your reaction to the vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, plan to become pregnant or intending to father a child. You or your partner should take adequate contraceptive precautions while you are taking Azathioprine Sandoz.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Azathioprine Sandoz is not recommended for use while breastfeeding as it may cause serious side effects to your baby.

Tell your dentist that you are taking Azathioprine Sandoz,

Dental work, whenever possible, should be completed before you start taking Azathioprine Sandoz or delayed until your blood cell counts are normal.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start taking Azathioprine Sandoz.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and Azathioprine Sandoz may interfere with each other. These include:

  • penicillamine, a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
  • captopril, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure
  • cimetidine, a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers and indigestion
  • indomethacin, used as painkiller and anti-inflammatory
  • co-trimoxazole and erythromycin, medicines used to treat bacterial infections
  • allopurinol, oxipurinol or thiopurinol, medicines used to treat gout
  • succinylcholine or tubocurarine, medicines used to relax muscles during surgery
  • frusemide, a diuretic medicine
  • warfarin, a medicine used to prevent blood clots
  • aminosalicylates such as sulfasalazine, mesalazine and olsalazine, medicines used to treat inflammation of the bowel
  • phenytoin and phenobarbital, medicines used to treat epilepsy
  • rifampicin, a medicine used to treat tuberculosis
  • ketoconazole, a medicine used to treat fungal infections
  • methotrexate, used in the treatment of cancer
  • ribavirin, used to treat a type of respiratory infection.

These medicines may be affected by Azathioprine Sandoz or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.

Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.

How to take Azathioprine Sandoz

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How much to take

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the correct dose for you. They will tell you exactly how much to take.

Follow the instructions they give you. If you take the wrong dose, Azathioprine Sandoz may not work as well and your problem may not improve.

Your dose will depend on your body weight and how you respond to the medicine. Your doctor will determine the right dose for you. Your doctor may change the number of tablets you need to take, particularly at the beginning of treatment.

How to take it

Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.

Do not break, chew or crush the tablets.

When to take Azathioprine Sandoz

Take your medicine at about the same time each day, preferably after a meal. Taking it at the same time each day will help you remember when to take it. Take it at least one hour before or three hours after food or milk.

How long to take Azathioprine Sandoz

Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.

Your doctor will discuss with you for how long you need to take your medicine. It could take some weeks or months for Azathioprine Sandoz to take full effect.

Transplant patients will need to take Azathioprine Sandoz continuously to reduce the risk of organ rejection.

If you forget to take it

Take your dose as soon as you remember, and continue to take it as you would normally.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) or advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Azathioprine Sandoz. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

While you are taking Azathioprine Sandoz

Things you must do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Azathioprine Sandoz.

Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, including any dental work, tell the surgeon, anaesthetist or dentist that you are taking this medicine. It may affect other medicines used during surgery.

If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, are trying to become pregnant or planning to father a child, tell your doctor immediately.

Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked. Your doctor may order regular blood tests to make sure the medicine is working and to prevent unwanted side effects.

Tell your doctor if you plan to have any immunisations or vaccinations.

If you come into contact with anyone who is suffering from chickenpox or shingles, tell your doctor immediately.

Always protect yourself from the sun while you are taking Azathioprine Sandoz. If you go out in the sun, wear a hat, protective clothing and use sunscreen.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any new moles or changes in existing moles, any lumps on your body, or if you feel unwell. Azathioprine Sandoz lowers your body's immune system and may increase your risk of skin and other cancers while you are taking this medicine.

Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as prescribed. Otherwise your doctor may think that it was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.

Things you must not do

Do not take Azathioprine Sandoz to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Do not stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely.

Do not break, chew or crush the tablets.

Things to be careful of

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Azathioprine Sandoz affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness in some people. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Be careful when drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine. If you drink alcohol, dizziness may be worse.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Azathioprine Sandoz.

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.

Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • any infection or fever
  • unexpected bruising or bleeding
  • new marks on skin or any change to marks that may have been there previously
  • headache, stiff neck and extreme sensitivity to bright light
  • nausea and vomiting
  • tiredness, dizziness or generally unwell
  • irregular heart beat
  • you come into contact with anyone who is suffering from chickenpox or shingles
  • sores in the mouth and on the lips
  • feeling of ants creeping in or under the skin
  • changes in sense of smell or taste
  • black tarry stools or blood in the urine or stools

Azathioprine could cause your hepatitis B to become active again.

Side effects reported particularly in organ transplant patients are:

  • viral, fungal and bacterial infections
  • hair loss (particularly following a kidney transplant)
  • diarrhoea, usually with blood and mucus
  • stomach pain with fever and vomiting.

If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:

  • allergic type reactions e.g. skin rash, itching and difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing
  • muscle weakness, with or without a skin rash
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • severe joint pain
  • kidney problems
  • feeling faint especially when standing up
  • severe abdominal pain
  • diarrhoea
  • yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice)
  • serious skin reactions such as blistering or peeling.

The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell even if you think the problems are not connected with this medicine and are not referred to in this leaflet. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.

Some side effects, such as low blood cell count, can only be found when your doctor does tests from time to time to check your progress.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side-effects. You may not experience any of them.

After taking Azathioprine Sandoz

Storage

Keep your medicine in the original container.

If you take it out of its original container it may not keep well.

Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Do not store Azathioprine Sandoz or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.

Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep it where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.

Product description

What it looks like

Azathioprine Sandoz comes in two strengths:

Azathioprine Sandoz 25 mg - round, biconvex yellowish-white film-coated tablets.

Available in blisters of 100 tablets

Azathioprine Sandoz 50 mg - round, biconvex white to yellowish-white film-coated tablets, with one-sided breaking notch.

Available in blisters of 100 tablets.

Not all strengths may be marketed.

Ingredients

Active ingredients:

  • Azathioprine Sandoz 25 mg - 25 mg azathioprine
  • Azathioprine Sandoz 50 mg - 50 mg azathioprine.

Inactive ingredients:

  • lactose monohydrate
  • maize starch
  • povidone
  • colloidal anhydrous silica
  • magnesium stearate
  • hypromellose
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • PEG-8 stearate
  • purified talc
  • titanium dioxide.

This medicine does not contain sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

Supplier

Sandoz Pty Ltd
100 Pacific Highway
North Sydney, NSW 2060
Australia
Tel 1800 726 369

This leaflet was revised in December 2023.

Australian Register Numbers

25 mg film-coated tablets: AUST R 74404

50 mg film-coated tablets: AUST R 74407

Published by MIMS February 2024

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Azathioprine Sandoz

Active ingredient

Azathioprine

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Azathioprine.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Each Azathioprine Sandoz 25 mg film-coated tablet contains 25 mg azathioprine.
Each Azathioprine Sandoz 50 mg film coated tablet contains 50 mg azathioprine.
Not all strengths may be marketed in Australia.

Excipient with known effect.

Lactose monohydrate.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Azathioprine Sandoz 25 mg film-coated tablets are round, biconvex yellowish-white film-coated tablets.
Azathioprine Sandoz 50 mg film-coated tablets are round, biconvex white to yellowish-white film-coated tablets, with one-sided breaking notch.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Azathioprine Sandoz is used as an immunosuppressant antimetabolite either alone, or more commonly, in combination with other agents (usually corticosteroids) and procedures which influence the immune response. Therapeutic effect may be evident only after weeks or months and can include a steroid sparing effect, thereby reducing the toxicity associated with high dosage and prolonged usage of corticosteroids.
Azathioprine Sandoz, in combination with corticosteroids and/or other immunosuppressive agents and procedures, is indicated in the management of patients receiving organ transplants.
Azathioprine Sandoz, either alone or more usually in combination with corticosteroids and/or other procedures, has been used with clinical benefit which may include reduction of dosage or discontinuation of corticosteroids, in a proportion of patients suffering from the following: severe rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, pemphigus vulgaris, polyarteritis nodosa, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage.

Dosage in transplantation - adults and children.

Depending on the immunosuppressive regimen adopted, a loading dose of up to 5 mg/kg/day is usually given.
Maintenance dosage may range from 1 to 4 mg/kg/day and must be adjusted according to clinical requirements and haematological tolerance.
Evidence indicates that azathioprine therapy should be maintained indefinitely, even if only low doses are necessary, because of risk of graft rejection.

Dosage in other conditions - adults and children.

In general, the initial dose should be approximately 1 mg/kg/day (50 to 100 mg) gradually increasing in increments of 0.5 mg/kg/day over several weeks, if necessary up to a maximum dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day.
When therapeutic response is evident, consideration should be given to reducing the maintenance dosage to the lowest level compatible with maintenance of that response. If no improvement occurs in the patient's condition within three months, consideration should be given to withdrawing azathioprine.
The maintenance dosage required may range from less than 1 mg/kg/day to 3 mg/kg/day, depending on the clinical condition being treated and the individual patient response, including haematological tolerance.
Specialist medical literature should be consulted for guidance as to clinical experience in particular conditions.

Method of administration.

Azathioprine Sandoz tablets should be administered at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after food or milk.

Dosage adjustment.

Elderly.

(See Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects), Haematopoiesis.) The rapid in vivo cleavage of the azathioprine molecule followed by tissue fixation makes it impossible to relate plasma drug levels to toxicity. There are no specific data as to the tolerance of azathioprine in elderly patients. It is recommended that the dosages used are at the lower end of the range given for adults and children.
Particular care should be taken to monitor haematological response and to reduce the maintenance dosage to the minimum required for clinical response.

Renal/hepatic impairment.

See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use.

4.3 Contraindications

Azathioprine Sandoz is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to azathioprine or to any of the ingredients of this product. Hypersensitivity to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) should alert the prescriber to probable hypersensitivity to azathioprine.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis previously treated with alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan or others) may have a prohibitive risk of neoplasia if treated with azathioprine.
Azathioprine therapy should not be initiated in patients who may be pregnant, who are likely to become pregnant in the near future, or who are known to be pregnant (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Co-administration of ribavirin and azathioprine is not advised. Ribavirin may reduce efficacy and increase toxicity of azathioprine.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viraemia resulting in severe pneumonitis and associated haemophagocytic syndrome manifesting in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported in the literature.
Caution should be exercised and specialist literature consulted when determining the risks of CMV reactivation and IBD deterioration.

Monitoring.

There are potential hazards to the use of azathioprine. It should be prescribed only if the patient can be adequately monitored for toxic effects throughout the duration of therapy.
Particular care should be taken to monitor haematological response and to reduce the maintenance dosage to the minimum required for clinical response.
During the first eight weeks of therapy, complete blood counts, including platelets, must be performed weekly or more frequently if high dosage is used or if severe renal and/or hepatic disorder is present. The blood count frequency may be reduced later in therapy, but it is recommended that complete blood counts are repeated at intervals of not longer than one month or more frequently if dosage alterations or other changes to therapy are made. Delayed haematological suppression may occur.
Prompt reduction in dosage or temporary withdrawal of the drug may be necessary if there is a rapid fall in, or persistently low, leucocyte count or other evidence of bone marrow depression.
Patients receiving azathioprine should be instructed to report immediately if there is any evidence of infection, unexpected bruising or bleeding, black tarry stools and blood in the urine or stools, or other manifestations of bone marrow depression. Bone marrow suppression is reversible if azathioprine is withdrawn early enough.

TPMT testing.

There are individuals with an inherited deficiency of the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) who may be unusually sensitive to the myelosuppressive effect of azathioprine and prone to developing rapid bone marrow depression following the initiation of treatment with azathioprine. There have been fatal cases of myelosuppression in patients with low or absent TPMT activity treated with thiopurines. This problem could be exacerbated by co-administration with drugs that inhibit TPMT, such as olsalazine, mesalazine or sulfasalazine. Also a possible association between decreased TPMT activity and secondary leukaemias and myelodysplasia has been reported in individuals receiving 6-MP (the active metabolite of azathioprine) in combination with other cytotoxics (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Patients should be tested for TPMT activity before starting azathioprine. TPMT testing cannot substitute for complete blood count monitoring in patients receiving azathioprine. TPMT genotyping can be used to identify patients with absent or reduced TPMT activity. Patients with low or absent TPMT activity (homozygous for non-functional alleles) are at an increased risk of developing severe, life-threatening myelotoxicity from azathioprine if conventional doses are given. Alternative therapies may be considered for patients who have low or absent TPMT activity. Azathioprine should be administered with caution to patients having one non-functional allele (heterozygous) who are at risk for reduced TPMT activity that may lead to toxicity if conventional doses are given. Dosage reduction is recommended in patients with reduced TPMT activity. The dosage of azathioprine may need to be reduced when this agent is combined with other drugs whose primary or secondary toxicity is myelosuppression.
TPMT testing is widely available through pathology laboratories and genetic testing services.

Patients with NUDT15 variant.

Patients with inherited mutated NUDT15 gene are at increased risk for severe azathioprine toxicity, such as early leukopenia and alopecia, from conventional doses of thiopurine therapy. They generally require dose reduction, particularly those being NUDT15 variant homozygotes. The precise mechanism of NUDT15-associated thiopurine-related toxicity is not understood. Patients of Asian ethnicity are particularly at risk, due to the increased frequency of the mutation in this population. The optimal starting dose for heterozygous or homozygous deficient patients has not been established. Close monitoring of blood counts is necessary.
Genotypic and phenotypic testing of NUDT15 variants should be considered before initiating thiopurine therapy in all patients (including paediatric patients) to reduce the risk of thiopurine-related severe leukocytopenia and alopecia, especially in Asian populations.

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

Limited evidence suggests that azathioprine is not beneficial to patients with hypoxanthine-guanine-phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency (Lesch-Nyhan syndrome). Therefore, given the abnormal metabolism in these patients, it is not prudent to recommend that these patients should receive azathioprine.

Teratogenicity.

Studies in pregnant rats, mice and rabbits using azathioprine in dosages from 5-15 mg/kg bodyweight/day over the period of organogenesis have shown varying degrees of foetal abnormalities. Teratogenicity was evident in rabbits at 10 mg/kg bodyweight/day.
Epidemiological evidence in humans indicates that the frequency of occurrence of congenital abnormalities in the offspring of maternal transplant recipients is similar to that in the general population.
As with all cytotoxic chemotherapy, adequate contraceptive precautions should be advised when either partner is receiving azathioprine.

Carcinogenicity.

Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, including azathioprine, are at an increased risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorders and other malignancies, notably skin cancers (melanoma and non-melanoma), sarcomas (Kaposi's and non-Kaposi's) and uterine cervical cancer in situ. The increased risk appears to be related to the degree and duration of immunosuppression. It has been reported that discontinuation of immunosuppression may provide partial regression of the lymphoproliferative disorder. A treatment regimen containing multiple immunosuppressants (including thiopurines) should therefore be used with caution as this could lead to lymphoproliferative disorders, some with reported fatalities. A combination of multiple immunosuppressants, given concomitantly increases the risk of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferative disorders.

Varicella zoster virus infection (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Immunisation using a live organism vaccine has the potential to cause infection in immunocompromised hosts. Therefore, immunisations with live organism vaccines are not recommended.
Infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV; chickenpox and herpes zoster) may become severe during the administration of immunosuppressants. Caution should be exercised especially with respect to the following:
Before starting the administration of immunosuppressants, the prescriber should check to see if the patient has a history of VZV. Serologic testing may be useful in determining previous exposure. Patients who have no history of exposure should avoid contact with individuals with chickenpox or herpes zoster. If the patient is exposed to VZV, special care must be taken to avoid patients developing chickenpox or herpes zoster, and passive immunisation with varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) may be considered.
If the patient is infected with VZV, appropriate measures should be taken, which may include antiviral therapy and supportive care.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

PML, an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus (a type of human polyomavirus) has been reported in patients receiving azathioprine with other immunosuppressive agents. Immunosuppressive therapy should be withheld at the first sign or symptoms suggestive of PML and appropriate evaluation undertaken to establish a diagnosis (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Hepatitis B (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Hepatitis B carriers (defined as patients positive for hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] for more than six months), or patients with documented past HBV infection, who receive immunosuppressive drugs are at risk of reactivation of HBV replication, with asymptomatic increases in serum HBV DNA and ALT levels. Specialist medical literature should be consulted for guidance including prophylactic therapy with oral anti-HBV agents.

Macrophage activation syndrome.

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a known, life threatening disorder that may develop in patients with autoimmune conditions, in particular with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and there could potentially be an increased susceptibility for developing the condition with the use of azathioprine. If MAS occurs, or is suspected, evaluation and treatment should be started as early as possible, and treatment with azathioprine should be discontinued. Physicians should be attentive to symptoms of infection such as EBV and CMV, as these are known triggers for MAS.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Administration of purine analogues (azathioprine, mercaptopurine and thioguanine) may interfere with the niacin pathway, potentially leading to nicotinic acid deficiency/pellagra. A few cases have been reported with the use of azathioprine, especially in patients with IBD (Crohn's disease, colitis ulcerative); therefore, health care professionals should be aware of this condition and provide appropriate medical care if pellagra occurs (such as niacin/nicotinamide supplementation).

Other precautions.

Azathioprine should be used with caution in hypersplenism.
Withdrawal of azathioprine should be gradual and performed under close supervision.
Dental work, whenever possible, should be completed prior to initiation of azathioprine therapy or deferred until blood counts are normal.

Hypersensitivity.

Patients suspected to have previously presented a hypersensitivity reaction to 6-MP should not be recommended to use its pro-drug azathioprine, and vice-versa, unless the patient has been confirmed as hypersensitive to the culprit drug with allergological tests, and tested negative for the other.

Use in hepatic impairment.

It is impossible to relate plasma levels of azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine to therapeutic efficacy or toxicity. Conversion of 6-thioinosinic acid to 6-thiouric acid by xanthine oxidase is not dependent on intact hepatic and/or renal function. Nevertheless, it is recommended that the dosages used are at the lower end of the normal range and that haematological response is carefully monitored. Dosage should be further reduced if haematological toxicity occurs.
Caution is necessary during the administration of azathioprine to patients with hepatic dysfunction, and regular complete blood counts and liver function tests should be undertaken. In such patients the metabolism of azathioprine may be impaired, and the dosage of azathioprine further reduced if hepatic or haematological toxicity occurs.

Use in renal impairment.

See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Use in hepatic impairment.

Use in the elderly.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Dosage adjustment, Elderly.

Paediatric use.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration.

Effects on laboratory tests.

See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Monitoring, Use in hepatic impairment.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Allopurinol/oxipurinol/thiopurinol and other xanthine oxidase inhibitors.

Xanthine oxidase activity is inhibited by allopurinol, oxipurinol and thiopurinol which results in reduced conversion of biologically active 6-thioinosinic acid to biologically inactive 6-thiouric acid. When allopurinol, oxipurinol and/or thiopurinol are given concomitantly with 6-MP or azathioprine, the dose of 6-MP and azathioprine should be reduced to one-quarter of the original dose. For example, an azathioprine dose of 100 mg should be reduced to 25 mg when used concomitantly with allopurinol.
Other xanthine oxidase inhibitors, such as febuxostat my decrease the metabolism of azathioprine. Concomitant administration is not recommended as data are insufficient to determine an adequate dose reduction.

Neuromuscular blocking agents.

Azathioprine can potentiate the neuromuscular blockade produced by depolarising agents such as succinylcholine and reduce the blockade produced by nondepolarising agents such as tubocurarine.

Anticoagulants.

Inhibition of the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and acenocoumarol has been reported when co-administered with azathioprine. Therefore, higher doses of the anticoagulant may be needed. It is recommended that coagulation tests are closely monitored when anticoagulants are concurrently administered with azathioprine.

Cytostatic/myelosuppressive agents.

Azathioprine should be used with caution in patients receiving, or who have recently received, other bone marrow suppressive agents.
Where possible, concomitant administration of cytostatic drugs, or drugs which may have a myelosuppressive effect, such as penicillamine, should be avoided. There are conflicting clinical reports of interactions, resulting in serious haematological abnormalities, between azathioprine and cotrimoxazole.
There have been case reports suggesting that haematological abnormalities may develop due to the concomitant administration of azathioprine and ACE inhibitors.
It has been suggested that cimetidine and indomethacin may have myelosuppressive effects which may be enhanced by concomitant administration of azathioprine.

Aminosalicylates.

As there is in vitro and in vivo evidence that aminosalicylate derivatives (e.g. olsalazine, mesalazine or sulfasalazine) inhibit the TPMT enzyme, they should be administered with caution in patients receiving concurrent azathioprine therapy (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Methotrexate.

When azathioprine is administered concomitantly with high dose methotrexate, the dose should be adjusted to maintain a suitable white blood cell count.

Vaccines.

The immunosuppressive activity of azathioprine could result in an atypical and potentially deleterious response to live vaccines and so the administration of live vaccines to patients receiving azathioprine therapy is contraindicated on theoretical grounds.
A diminished response to killed vaccines is likely and such a response to hepatitis B vaccine has been observed among patients treated with a combination of azathioprine and corticosteroids.
A small clinical study has indicated that standard therapeutic doses of azathioprine do not deleteriously affect the response to polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine, as assessed on the basis of mean anticapsular specific antibody concentration.

Ribavirin.

Ribavirin inhibits the enzyme, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), leading to a lower production of the active 6-thioguanine nucleotides. Severe myelosuppression has been reported following concomitant administration of azathioprine and ribavirin; therefore coadministration is not advised.

Infliximab.

An interaction has been observed between azathioprine and infliximab. Patients receiving ongoing azathioprine experienced increase in 6-TGN (6-thioguanine nucleotide, an active metabolite of azathioprine) levels and a decrease in the mean leukocyte count following infliximab infusion.

Miscellaneous.

Frusemide has been shown to impair the metabolism of azathioprine by human hepatic tissue in vitro. The clinical significance is unknown.
Drugs known to induce (phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin) or inhibit (ketoconazole, erythromycin) hepatic microsomal enzymes may alter the clearance of azathioprine.
Co-administration of azathioprine and captopril may result in increased susceptibility to leucopenia.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Relief of chronic progressive renal failure by renal transplantation involving the use of azathioprine has been accompanied by increased fertility in both male and female transplant recipients.
(Category D)
The decision to maintain or discontinue azathioprine during pregnancy, or to terminate the pregnancy, depends on the condition under treatment in which the maternal wellbeing has to be weighed against possible risks to the fetus. As a general rule, azathioprine therapy should not be initiated in patients known to be pregnant.
Cholestasis of pregnancy has occasionally been reported in association with azathioprine therapy. If cholestasis of pregnancy occurs, case by case assessment is necessary considering the risk-benefit profile of the drug.
As with all cytotoxic chemotherapy, adequate contraceptive precautions should be advised when either partner is receiving azathioprine.
There have been reports of premature birth and low birthweight following maternal exposure to azathioprine, particularly in combination with corticosteroids. There have also been reports of spontaneous abortion following either maternal or paternal exposure.
Azathioprine and/or its metabolites have been found in low concentrations in fetal blood and amniotic fluid.
The rare possibility of neonatal leucopenia and/or thrombocytopenia which may not be clinically evident appears to be preventable by reducing maternal dosage of azathioprine if, at 32 weeks' gestation, the maternal leucocyte count is at or below 8.6 x 109/L. The possibility of neonatal immunosuppression is a serious and potentially fatal complication. Extra care in haematological monitoring is advised during pregnancy.
6-MP has been identified in the colostrum and breast milk of women receiving azathioprine treatment. Breastfeeding mothers should be advised to consult their doctor, since use by breastfeeding mothers is not recommended because of possible adverse effects on the infant.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration. However, adverse effects of Azathioprine Sandoz include dizziness which could affect the ability to drive or use machines (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Hypersensitivity reactions.

Several different clinical syndromes, which appear to be of an idiosyncratic hypersensitivity nature, have been described occasionally. They include general malaise, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, rigors, exanthema, rash, vasculitis, myalgia, muscular pains, arthralgia, disturbed hepatic function, cholestatic jaundice, pancreatitis, cardiac dysrhythmia, renal dysfunction and hypotension. In many cases, rechallenge has confirmed an association with azathioprine.
Additional adverse reactions of low frequency have been reported. These include skin rashes (approximately 2%), steatorrhoea, negative nitrogen balance, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (all less than 1%).
It has been suggested that the imidazole side chain gives rise to hypersensitivity, whereas the 6-MP molecule gives rise to cholestasis. Immediate withdrawal of azathioprine and supportive circulatory measures have led to recovery in the majority of cases. Other marked underlying pathology has contributed to the very rare deaths reported.
Azathioprine should be permanently withdrawn after any such clinical syndrome.

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps).

The risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, notably skin cancers is increased in patients who receive immunosuppressive drugs, particularly in transplant recipients receiving aggressive treatment and such therapy should be maintained at the lowest effective levels. The increased risk of developing lymphomas in immunosuppressed rheumatoid arthritis patients compared with the general population appears to be related at least in part to the disease itself.
There have been rare reports of acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplasia (some in association with chromosomal abnormalities).
Rare: neoplasms including lymphoproliferative disorders, skin cancers (melanomas and non-melanomas), sarcomas (Kaposi's and non-Kaposi's) and uterine cervical cancer in situ (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Haematopoiesis.

Azathioprine may be associated with a dose related, generally reversible, depression of bone marrow function, most frequently expressed as leucopenia, but also sometimes as anaemia and thrombocytopenia and rarely as agranulocytosis, pancytopenia and aplastic anaemia. These occur particularly in patients predisposed to myelotoxicity, such as those with TPMT deficiency and renal or hepatic insufficiency and in patients failing to reduce the dose of azathioprine when receiving concurrent allopurinol therapy.
Therapeutic use of azathioprine is associated with a reversible, dose related reduction in numbers of circulating total white cells, granulocytes and lymphocytes together with increases in mean corpuscular volume and red cell haemoglobin content. Megaloblastic bone marrow changes have been observed, but severe megaloblastic anaemia and erythroid hypoplasia are rare.
Azathioprine may produce thrombocytopenia which is dose related and may be delayed.

Alopecia.

Hair loss has been described in 50% of renal transplant recipients receiving azathioprine and corticosteroids, but does not appear to be a major problem when azathioprine is used for other indications. It is reversible in over 80% of cases despite continuing immunosuppression.

Susceptibility to infection.

Patients receiving azathioprine alone or in combination with other immunosuppressants, particularly corticosteroids have shown increased susceptibility to viral, fungal and bacterial infections, including severe or atypical infection and reactivation with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), hepatitis B, CMV and other infectious agents (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Viral, fungal and bacterial infections are very common in transplant patients receiving azathioprine in combination with other immunosuppressants.
Very rare cases of JC virus associated PML have been reported following the use of azathioprine in combination with other immunosuppressants (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Gastrointestinal reactions.

Nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort may occur during the first few months of azathioprine therapy. These effects are usually reduced by dosage adjustment and by administering the tablets in divided doses and/or after meals.
Serious complications, including colitis, diverticulitis, and bowel perforation, have been described in transplant recipients and appear to relate to high dosage of corticosteroids rather than to azathioprine per se.
Severe diarrhoea, recurring on rechallenge, has been reported in patients treated with azathioprine for inflammatory bowel disease. The possibility that exacerbation of symptoms might be drug related should be borne in mind when treating such patients.
Pancreatitis has been reported in a small percentage of patients on azathioprine therapy, particularly in renal transplant patients and those diagnosed as having inflammatory bowel disease. There are difficulties in relating the pancreatitis to the administration of one particular drug, although rechallenge has confirmed an association with azathioprine on occasions.

Pulmonary reactions.

Reversible pneumonitis has been described very rarely.

Hepatotoxicity.

Cholestasis and deterioration of liver function have occasionally been reported in association with azathioprine therapy and are usually reversible on withdrawal of therapy. This may be associated with symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects), Hypersensitivity reactions).
Hepatotoxicity may manifest by elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and/or serum transaminases and is generally reversible after interruption of azathioprine. Periodic measurement of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin is indicated for early detection of hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity has been uncommon (less than 1%) in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Rare, but life threatening hepatic damage associated with chronic administration of azathioprine has been described, primarily in transplant patients. Histological findings include sinusoidal dilation, peliosis hepatis, veno-occlusive disease and nodular regenerative hyperplasia. In some cases withdrawal of azathioprine has resulted in either a temporary or permanent improvement in liver histology and symptoms. Azathioprine should be permanently withdrawn in patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease.

Immune system disorders.

Erythema nodosum.

Other adverse effects.

Other adverse reactions include sores in the mouth and on the lips, meningitis, formication, exacerbation of myasthenia gravis, acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet's syndrome) and dermatomyositis and alterations in the senses of smell or taste.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Signs.

Unexplained infection, ulceration of the throat, bruising and bleeding are the main signs of overdosage with azathioprine and result from bone marrow depression which may be maximal after 9 - 14 days. These signs are more likely to be manifest following chronic overdosage, rather than after a single acute overdose. Occasional reports describe ingestion of azathioprine from 0.5 - 7.5 g on a single occasion with apparent uneventful recovery.

Treatment.

Treatment is symptomatic and has included gastric lavage. If overdosage occurs the blood picture and hepatic function in particular should be monitored. Azathioprine is partially dialysable but the procedure is of doubtful value since azathioprine is rapidly metabolised with entry of metabolites into tissue cells.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive antimetabolite.
Azathioprine is an imidazole derivative of 6-MP. It is rapidly broken down in vivo into 6-MP and a methylnitroimidazole moiety. The 6-MP readily crosses cell membranes and is converted intracellularly into a number of purine thioanalogues, which include the main active nucleotide, thioinosinic acid. The rate of conversion varies from one person to another. Nucleotides do not traverse cell membranes and therefore do not circulate in body fluids. Irrespective of whether it is given directly or is derived in vivo from azathioprine, 6-MP is eliminated mainly as the inactive oxidised metabolite thiouric acid. This oxidation is brought about by xanthine oxidase, an enzyme which is inhibited by allopurinol. The activity of the methylnitroimidazole moiety has not been defined clearly. However, in several systems it appears to modify the activity of azathioprine as compared with that of 6-MP. Determinations of plasma concentrations of azathioprine or 6-MP have no prognostic value as regards effectiveness or toxicity of these compounds.
While the precise modes of action remain to be elucidated, some suggested mechanisms include: the release of 6-MP which acts as a purine antimetabolite; the possible blockade of -SH groups by alkylation; the inhibition of many pathways in nucleic acid biosynthesis, hence preventing proliferation of cells involved in determination and amplification of immune response; damage to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) through incorporation of purine thioanalogues.
Because of these mechanisms, the therapeutic effect of azathioprine may be evident only after several weeks or months of treatment.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Azathioprine is well absorbed from the upper gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.

Distribution.

Peak plasma levels occur to 1-2 hours. The elimination half-life of azathioprine and of the active metabolite, 6-mercaptopurine is approximately 2 hours following single doses. Studies in mice with 35S-azathioprine showed no unusually large concentration in any particular tissue, but there was very little 35S found in the brain.

Metabolism.

After oral administration, it disappears rapidly from the circulation and is extensively metabolised to mercaptopurine. Both azathioprine and mercaptopurine are about 30% bound to plasma proteins. About 10% of the dose of azathioprine is split between the sulphur and purine ring to give 1-methyl-4-nitro-5-thioimidazole.

Excretion.

Small amounts of the unchanged azathioprine and mercaptopurine are eliminated in the urine.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Chromosomal abnormalities, which can occur independently of the influence of azathioprine, have been demonstrated in both male and female transplant recipients.
Chromosomal abnormalities which disappear in time have been demonstrated in offspring of transplant recipients. Except in extremely rare cases, no overt physical evidence of abnormality has been observed in these offspring.
Azathioprine and long-wave ultraviolet light have been shown to have a synergistic clastogenic effect in patients treated with azathioprine for a range of disorders.

Carcinogenicity.

See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use.
Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy are at an increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, notably skin cancers. The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent.
Patients receiving multiple immunosuppressive agents may be at risk of over-immunosuppression, therefore such therapy should be maintained at the lowest effective level. As is usual for patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Renal transplant recipients in some geographical areas are at greater risk of skin cancers than those in other areas.
Other neoplasms reportedly associated with azathioprine include carcinoma of the urinary bladder and adenocarcinoma of the lung.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Azathioprine Sandoz film-coated tablets contain: lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, PEG-8 stearate, purified talc, titanium dioxide.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.
For information on interactions with other medicines and other forms of interactions, see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.
Protect from light.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Azathioprine Sandoz film-coated tablets are available in PVC/PVDC/Al or PP/Al blister packs of 100 tablets.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

Azathioprine Sandoz tablets should not be divided, crushed or broken. Provided that the film coating is intact, there is no risk in handling film coated tablets.
In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Azathioprine is a pale yellow powder.
Azathioprine is practically insoluble in water and in alcohol. It is soluble in dilute solutions of alkali hydroxides and sparingly soluble in dilute mineral acids.

Chemical structure.


Chemical name: 6-[(1-methyl-4-nitro-1-H-imidazol-5-yl) thio]-1-H-purine.
Molecular formula: C9H7N7O2S.
Molecular weight: 277.3.

CAS number.

446-86-6.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes