azathioprine in rheumatoid arthritis
Last reviewed 01/2018
Azathioprine is a mercaptopurine derivative which has cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effects.
It is used in the treatment of progressive rheumatoid arthritis.
Azathioprine is metabolised to mercaptopurine and then to thioinosinate which interferes with purine metabolism.
The most common side-effects of azathioprine are myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity.
contra-indications and warnings for azathioprine
pre-treatment screening for azathioprine