Taking azathioprine can make it more difficult for your body to fight infections. If you have a fever, have been prescribed an antibiotic or think you may have an infection, contact your azathioprine prescriber.
You may need to stop taking azathioprine if you are having surgery until you are healed and there is no sign of infection. Please discuss this with your prescriber.
Ideally, your vaccinations should be up to date prior to starting azathioprine. Before receiving any vaccinations while taking azathioprine, you should speak with your healthcare provider.
People who are planning pregnancy with their partner and people who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should avoid using azathioprine. If you or your partner is planning to get pregnant, please discuss this with your prescriber. Any person who is breastfeeding/chestfeeding should also avoid azathioprine if possible. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made with your healthcare provider on whether or not to discontinue nursing or the medication, taking into account the importance of the drug to the lactating parent.
Drinking alcohol while taking azathioprine has the potential to harm your liver, so it is best to avoid or restrict alcohol while taking the medication.
Anyone who has had a previous allergic reaction to azathioprine should avoid the medication.
Azathioprine interacts with a number of other medications, including medications commonly used to treat gout. Please speak with your healthcare provider about whether any of the other medications you currently take interact with azathioprine.