Autoimmune diseases - a group of pathological conditions in which there is an increased activity of the immune system against your body. In order to reduce the immune response, drugs that suppress the immune system are prescribed. This group of drugs is indispensable in transplantology to prevent transplant rejection. Let's analyze a drug such as Azathioprine, analogues of this drug, instructions for use and its features.
Pharmacological characteristics
In its composition, the drug "Azathioprine" contains the same active substance. This chemical compound is a derivative of the substances necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Entering the body, azathioprine disrupts DNA synthesis and, accordingly, inhibits the processes of cell division in tissues. The decrease in the activity of the immune system is due to the effect of the drug "Azathioprine" on the lymphoid tissue.
In this case, inhibition of the processes of cell division and the cellular response of the immune system occurs. After the administration of the drug "Azathioprine" in the body there is a decrease in the number of atypical phagocytes and a decrease in the synthesis of immunoglobulins. Let's further analyze the information: what are the characteristics of the drug "Azathioprine", analogues, price, instructions for use.
Pharmacokinetics
The drug is very effectively absorbed into the systemic circulation, and its maximum concentration is observed already 2 hours after oral administration. The drug is not particularly tropic to plasma proteins: its binding to them reaches 30%. Azathioprine is characterized by the effect of primary metabolism, or the primary passage through the liver.
Passing through hepatocytes, the drug is metabolized to the active compound - mercaptopurine, which also has pharmacodynamic effects. Almost completely, the drug is excreted from the body with bile. Not more than 2% of the drug is excreted in the urine.
Indications for use
The drug "Azathioprine", analogues with the same active substance are indicated for use in transplantology to prevent the reaction of transplant rejection.
Also, this drug is effectively used in rheumatological practice for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases such as hepatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, thrombocytopenic purpura, pemphigus, and many others.
Contraindications
The drug "Azathioprine" is contraindicated for use in individuals with hypersensitivity to the component of the drug. Due to the fact that the drug inhibits all sprouts of hematopoiesis, Azathioprine is contraindicated in blood diseases (anemia, leukocyte and lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia), as well as in pregnant and lactating women.
Use during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The active substance passes into breast milk and through the hematoplacental barrier. In this regard, it is not recommended for use in pregnant and lactating women. If it is necessary to prescribe a drug or its analogues for this category of people, it is necessary to assess the risk of the benefits of using the drug and the potential harm to the mother and fetus. When prescribing a drug during breastfeeding, the latter must be canceled.
Application features
The drug and its analogues should be used with caution in patients with chickenpox, as well as in patients with xanthine oxidase deficiency.
Side effects
The main group of side effects associated with inhibition of bone marrow function, responsible for the production of blood cells. When using analogues containing azathioprine, an increase in the size of cells in the blood, a decrease in the number of leukocytes, platelets, and anemia are observed.
On the part of the intestinal tract, the most common side effects are: a decrease in appetite, stool disorders, impaired liver function, ulcerative lesions of the intestinal tract. Damage to hepatocytes is possible with a subsequent increase in the content of bilirubin and other liver samples. In patients who underwent surgery to transplant organs and tissues, the development of pancreatitis, ulcerative lesions of the stomach, intestines, the development of toxic hepatitis is possible.
Allergic reactions occur very rarely when the drug "Azathioprine", analogues based on it (for example, "Imuran") are administered. Manifestations are unexpressed, mainly due to skin rashes or febrile conditions.
Among other side effects, it should be noted the development of secondary infectious processes in the body, the appearance of muscle and joint pain, acute renal functional failure. In some severe cases, the drug "Azathioprine", analogues with the same active substance can cause hemolytic anemia, give symptoms from the central nervous system. Azathioprine as an active drug substance that is part of the drug of the same name and its analogues, has a pronounced effect on the fetus (teratogenic and mutagenic effects), and is also able to provoke the occurrence of tumor processes with their subsequent malignancy. Thus, it is necessary to study the reviews, descriptions, analogues of the drug when prescribing the drug "Azathioprine" (tablets) and choose the right tactic. Looking ahead, we note that azathioprine as an active substance has positive effects on the course of diseases, according to indications. This is indicated not only by the attending physicians, but also by the patients themselves.
"Azathioprine" - synonyms, analogues
Azathioprine is a unique substance with an immunosuppressive effect. In view of this, preparations containing azathioprine are not very widely represented on the pharmaceutical market. Analogs of Azathioprine can be represented by a drug such as Imuran.
This drug is available in tablet form with a similar azathioprine content. The only nuance is the cost of the drug "Imuran", which can be 4-5 times higher than the cost of "Azathioprine" of Russian production.
Poisoning and overdose
An overdose of the drug "Azathioprine" and its analogue "Imuran" is manifested by violations of the intestinal tract, inhibition of bone marrow function, as well as an increase in liver function tests. The treatment of poisoning with both the drug itself and its analogues is symptomatic, aimed at the speedy removal of the drug from the body. There is no specific antidote. Dialysis methods of detoxification are partially effective, since the active substance with their help is not completely excreted from the body.
special instructions
The drug and its analogues are not recommended for prolonged use. At the very beginning of treatment, constant monitoring of the cellular composition of peripheral blood is required, as well as monitoring of liver enzymes.
In the future, they leave the daily control by conducting monitoring studies once or twice a month.
Conclusion
This drug and its analogues can be prescribed only by an experienced specialist. Before you start taking the drug, you must undergo a full examination and, possibly, carry out maintenance therapy. Additional information is given when prescribing the drug "Azathioprine" instructions for use. Price, analogues of this tool also often worry patients. So, the minimum cost of 50 tablets is in the region of 250-300 rubles, and about the analogues mentioned above. Before you start taking it, you must weigh the pros and cons and begin treatment.