Azathioprine interactions
Azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), an immunosuppressant has 105 documented interactions across the FDA labels and fact sheets we index: 16 major, 48 moderate, 40 minor, and 1 where a label reports no significant interaction. Each entry below quotes the sentence behind it. This drug page is a starting point, not a verdict for your situation.
What Azathioprine looks like
All 16 versionsRenderings from the FDA labels' product listings: color, shape, size, and imprint. 16 documented versions from 10 labelers.
Interactions from the label
Major interactions (16)
Almost all these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6–MP) concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. (Adalimumab label, Boxed warning)
About 13 percent of the cases of neutropenia have ended fatally, but almost all fatalities were in patients with serious illness, having collagen vascular disease, renal failure, heart failure or immunosuppressant therapy, or a combination of these complicating factors. (Captopril label, Warnings)
Prevention or Management Concomitant use with myelosuppressive or other immunosuppressive drugs is not recommended. (Cladribine label, Drug interactions)
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis previously treated with alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan, or others) may have a prohibitive risk of malignancy if treated with IMURAN. (Azathioprine label, Contraindications)
In kidney, liver, and heart transplant patients Neoral may be administered with other immunosuppressive agents. (Cyclosporine label, Boxed warning)
Concomitant use of IMURAN and febuxostat is not recommended. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Chicken pox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in children on immunosuppressant corticosteroids. (Fludrocortisone label, Warnings)
Persons who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids should be warned to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles. (Flunisolide label, Precautions)
Almost all had received azathioprine or 6- mercaptopurine concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. (Infliximab label, Boxed warning)
Immunosuppressants Everolimus Sirolimus Temsirolimus (IV) Not recommended during and 2 weeks after TOLSURA treatment. (Itraconazole label, Drug interactions)
- MelphalanMajor
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis previously treated with alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan, or others) may have a prohibitive risk of malignancy if treated with IMURAN. (Azathioprine label, Contraindications)
If concomitant use of APRISO and azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine cannot be avoided, monitor blood tests, including complete blood cell counts and platelet counts. (Mesalamine label, Drug interactions)
…IN TRANSPLANT PATIENTS; AND INCREASED MORTALITY IN FEMALE LIVER TRANSPLANT PATIENTS • Increased risk for developing serious infections and malignancies with ASTAGRAF XL ® or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )] • Increased mortality in female liver transplant patients with ASTAGRAF XL. (Tacrolimus label, Boxed warning)
…of or reduced clinical response Intervention Concomitant use with XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology, Figure 3 (12.3) ] Immunosuppressive Drugs (e.g., azathioprine, tacrolimus, cyclosporine) Clinical Impact Risk of added immunosuppression; concomitant use of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants has… (Tofacitinib label, Drug interactions)
Moderate interactions (48)
Patients receiving IMURAN and allopurinol concomitantly should have a dose reduction of IMURAN, to approximately 1/ 3 to 1/ 4 the usual dose. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
It is recommended that a further dose reduction or alternative therapies be considered for patients with low or absent TPMT activity receiving IMURAN and xanthine oxidase inhibitors because both TPMT and XO inactivation pathways are affected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections). (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressants Amlodipine may increase the systemic exposure of cyclosporine or tacrolimus when co-administered. (Amlodipine label, Drug interactions)
Impact of Amlodipine on Other Drugs Immunosuppressants Amlodipine may increase the systemic exposure of cyclosporine or tacrolimus when co-administered. (Amlodipine and atorvastatin label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressants: Amlodipine may increase the systemic exposure of cyclosporine or tacrolimus when co-administered. (Amlodipine and olmesartan label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressants Amlodipine may increase the systemic exposure of cyclosporine or tacrolimus when coadministered. (Amlodipine and valsartan label, Drug interactions)
Azathioprine or 6-Mercaptopurine: Increased risk of blood disorders; monitor complete blood cell counts and platelet counts. (Balsalazide label, Drug interactions)
- BendamustineModerate
Consider discontinuation or reduction of any concomitant chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy in patients who develop PML. (Bendamustine label, Warnings and precautions)
It is recommended that a further dose reduction or alternative therapies be considered for patients with low or absent TPMT activity receiving IMURAN and xanthine oxidase inhibitors because both TPMT and XO inactivation pathways are affected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections). (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
It is recommended that a further dose reduction or alternative therapies be considered for patients with low or absent TPMT activity receiving IMURAN and xanthine oxidase inhibitors because both TPMT and XO inactivation pathways are affected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections). (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
It is recommended that a further dose reduction or alternative therapies be considered for patients with low or absent TPMT activity receiving IMURAN and xanthine oxidase inhibitors because both TPMT and XO inactivation pathways are affected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections). (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
It is recommended that a further dose reduction or alternative therapies be considered for patients with low or absent TPMT activity receiving IMURAN and xanthine oxidase inhibitors because both TPMT and XO inactivation pathways are affected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections). (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
- DenosumabModerate
Other risk factors for the development of ONJ include immunosuppressive therapy, treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors, systemic corticosteroids, diabetes, and gingival infections. (Denosumab label, Warnings and precautions)
Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus and others metabolized by CYP3A ↓ immunosuppressant Dose adjustments of the immunosuppressant may be required. (Efavirenz label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, and others metabolized by CYP3A ↓ immunosuppressant Dose adjustments of the immunosuppressant may be required. (Efavirenz, lamivudine, and tenofovir label, Drug interactions)
Immuno-suppressants: e.g., cyclosporine (CsA) sirolimus tacrolimus ↑ immuno-suppressants ↑ elvitegravir (with CsA) ↑ cobicistat (with CsA) Therapeutic monitoring of the immunosuppressive agents is recommended upon coadministration with GENVOYA. (Elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir label, Drug interactions)
It is recommended that a further dose reduction or alternative therapies be considered for patients with low or absent TPMT activity receiving IMURAN and xanthine oxidase inhibitors because both TPMT and XO inactivation pathways are affected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections). (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressants : cyclosporine sirolimus tacrolimus ↓ immunosuppressant Etravirine and systemic immunosuppressants should be co-administered with caution because plasma concentrations of cyclosporine, sirolimus, or tacrolimus may be affected. (Etravirine label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressants Clinical Impact: Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus can produce nephrotoxicity with decreases in creatinine clearance and rises in serum creatinine, and because renal excretion is the primary elimination route of fibrate drugs including fenofibrate, there is a risk that an interaction will lead to deterioration of renal… (Fenofibrate label, Drug interactions)
Frequent PT/INR determinations are advisable until it has been definitely determined that the PT/INR has stabilized Immunosuppressants Clinical Impact: Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus can produce nephrotoxicity with decreases in creatinine clearance and rises in serum creatinine, and because renal excretion is the primary elimination route… (Fenofibric acid label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressants everolimus, rapamycin (also known as sirolimus), temsirolimus budesonide, ciclesonide, cyclosporine, dexamethasone, fluticasone, methylprednisolone, tacrolimus Rapamycin (sirolimus): Ketoconazole tablets 200 mg daily for 10 days increased the C max and AUC of a single 5 mg dose of sirolimus by 4.3 fold and 10.9 fold, respectively in 23 healthy… (Ketoconazole label, Drug interactions)
HBV reactivation has also been reported in patients receiving certain immunosuppressants or chemotherapeutic agents; the risk of HBV reactivation associated with treatment with HCV direct-acting antivirals may be increased in these patients. (Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir label, Warnings and precautions)
If used with concomitant methotrexate and/or other potential immunosuppressive agents, chronic monitoring should be monthly. (Leflunomide label, Warnings and precautions)
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. (Mercaptopurine label, Warnings and precautions)
Monitor patients receiving XATMEP with other potential hepatotoxins (e.g., azathioprine, retinoids, and sulfasalazine) for possible signs of hepatotoxicity. (Methotrexate label, Drug interactions)
Lymphoma and Other Malignancies Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including mycophenolate mofetil, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. (Mycophenolate label, Warnings and precautions)
…increased risk of PML and other infections, Crohn’s disease patients receiving natalizumab products should not be treated with concomitant immunosuppressants (e.g., 6‑ mercaptopurine, azathioprine, cyclosporine, or methotrexate) or inhibitors of TNF-α, and corticosteroids should be tapered in those patients with Crohn’s disease who are on chronic corticosteroids… (Natalizumab label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressive Agents There have been reports of increased blood concentrations of cyclosporine and tacrolimus into toxic ranges when patients received these drugs concomitantly with nefazodone. (Nefazodone label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus Plasma concentrations may be decreased. (Nevirapine label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressants: Amlodipine may increase the systemic exposure of cyclosporine or tacrolimus when co-administered. (Olmesartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide label, Drug interactions)
It is recommended that a further dose reduction or alternative therapies be considered for patients with low or absent TPMT activity receiving IMURAN and xanthine oxidase inhibitors because both TPMT and XO inactivation pathways are affected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections). (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
- PenicillamineModerate
Treatment has consisted of high doses of corticosteroids alone or, in some cases, concomitantly with an immunosuppressant. (Penicillamine label, Warnings)
It is recommended that a further dose reduction or alternative therapies be considered for patients with low or absent TPMT activity receiving IMURAN and xanthine oxidase inhibitors because both TPMT and XO inactivation pathways are affected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections). (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
In a detailed case report, 4 documented lymphopenia, diminished IgG and IgM levels, CMV infection, and a decreased thymic shadow were noted in an infant born to a mother receiving 150 mg azathioprine and 30 mg prednisone daily throughout pregnancy. (Azathioprine label, Warnings)
Use with ribavirin: The use of ribavirin for hepatitis C in patients receiving azathioprine has been reported to induce severe pancytopenia and may increase the risk of azathioprine-related myelotoxicity. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Glipizide Decrease exposure Immunosuppressive Agents Cyclosporine Decrease exposure Tacrolimus Prevention or Management: Monitoring of whole blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments of tacrolimus are recommended when rifampin and tacrolimus are used concomitantly. (Rifampin label, Drug interactions)
…Digoxin Corticosteroids Prednisone Fibrates Clofibrate Oral Hypoglycemics Sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide, glipizide) Hormonal Contraceptives/Progestins Ethinyl estradiol, levonorgestrel Immunosuppressants Cyclosporine, tacrolimus Methylxanthines Theophylline Narcotic analgesics Methadone Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors Sildenafil Thyroid preparations Levothyroxine… (Rifapentine label, Drug interactions)
Hyperlipidemia Increased serum cholesterol and triglycerides requiring treatment occurred more frequently in patients treated with sirolimus compared with azathioprine or placebo controls in Studies 1 and 2 [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. (Sirolimus label, Warnings and precautions)
HBV reactivation has also been reported in patients receiving certain immunosuppressant or chemotherapeutic agents; the risk of HBV reactivation associated with treatment with HCV direct-acting antivirals may be increased in these patients. (Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir label, Warnings and precautions)
Immunosuppressants: Amlodipine may increase the systemic exposure of cyclosporine or tacrolimus when co-administered. (Telmisartan and amlodipine label, Drug interactions)
- TemsirolimusModerate
Prophylaxis of PJP should be considered when concomitant use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents are required. (Temsirolimus label, Warnings and precautions)
It is recommended that a further dose reduction or alternative therapies be considered for patients with low or absent TPMT activity receiving IMURAN and xanthine oxidase inhibitors because both TPMT and XO inactivation pathways are affected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections). (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Cyclosporine, tacrolimus: Monitor for toxicities of these immunosuppressive drugs ( 7.1 ) (Tinidazole label, Drug interactions)
Minor mentions (40)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Warfarin: IMURAN may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Warfarin: IMURAN may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persists despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. (Atorvastatin label, Warnings and precautions)
- AxitinibMinor
Thirty-four patients were treated with corticosteroids and one patient was treated with a non-steroidal immunosuppressant. (Axitinib label, Warnings and precautions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Warfarin: IMURAN may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Warfarin: IMURAN may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Warfarin: IMURAN may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Warfarin: IMURAN may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Administer prophylaxis for PJP when concomitant use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents are required. (Everolimus label, Warnings and precautions)
IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy without significant inflammation; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. (Ezetimibe and simvastatin label, Warnings and precautions)
IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum CK, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody, muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy, and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. (Fluvastatin label, Warnings and precautions)
Use with Warfarin: IMURAN may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Warfarin: IMURAN may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
IMNM is characterized by: proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. (Lovastatin label, Warnings)
In some cases, vasculitis resolved/improved with drug discontinuation; however, more severe cases required treatment with additional measures including corticosteroids, immunosuppressant therapy, and plasmapheresis. (Methimazole label, Warnings)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Immunosuppressive Drugs Tacrolimus: Tacrolimus has been shown to be metabolized via the CYP3A system. (Nifedipine label, Precautions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. (Pitavastatin label, Warnings and precautions)
CYP3A Substrates Immunosuppressants that are CYP3A4 Substrates Mechanism and Clinical Effect(s) Posaconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. (Posaconazole label, Drug interactions)
IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. (Pravastatin label, Warnings and precautions)
In some cases, vasculitis resolved/improved with drug discontinuation; however, more severe cases required treatment with additional measures including corticosteroids, immunosuppressant therapy, and plasmapheresis. (Propylthiouracil label, Warnings)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Warfarin: IMURAN may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. (Rosuvastatin label, Warnings and precautions)
IMNM is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase that persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy without significant inflammation; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. (Simvastatin label, Warnings and precautions)
Use with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension in patients on azathioprine has been reported to induce anemia and severe leukopenia. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
Use with Warfarin: IMURAN may inhibit the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. (Azathioprine label, Drug interactions)
No significant interaction reported (1)
…Repaglinide, Rosiglitazone: [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] Insulin Insulin: [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine Use With Caution Cyclosporine: There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of clarithromycin with cyclosporine. (Clarithromycin label, Drug interactions)
Check Azathioprine against everything you take. Add your full list; every pair is checked at once.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Severity reflects the label's wording, not your circumstances. A "major" flag can be routine under supervision and a "minor" one can matter at high doses. Ask a pharmacist.



