Buy Generic Azathioprine Online

Generic Azathioprine Information

Introduction

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication widely used in Hong Kong for autoimmune disorders and organ‑transplant maintenance. The active compound is azathioprine, and it is classified within the broader medication group of pain relief due to its role in reducing inflammatory pain associated with immune‑mediated diseases. It is manufactured by several multinational pharmaceutical companies and is available in generic form through licensed overseas suppliers.

What is Azathioprine?

Azathioprine is a purine‑analogue antimetabolite that interferes with DNA synthesis in rapidly proliferating cells, particularly activated lymphocytes. It was first approved in the 196s and is marketed under various brand names, including Imuran® (Roche) and Azasan® (Novartis).

Azathioprine is the generic version of Imuran® and Azasan®, containing the same active compound azathioprine. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option.

The drug is supplied as oral tablets in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg, and is regulated by the Hong Kong Department of Health under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.

How Azathioprine Works

Azathioprine is converted in the body to 6‑mercaptopurine (6‑MP), which is further metabolised to thio‑inosine monophosphate (TIMP). TIMP inhibits the de novo synthesis of purine nucleotides, a pathway crucial for DNA and RNA production. By limiting nucleotide availability, azathioprine suppresses the proliferation of T‑ and B‑lymphocytes, dampening the immune response that drives auto‑inflammation.

The clinical effect typically begins 2–4 weeks after initiation, because sufficient drug‑induced lymphocyte suppression is required before disease activity wanes. The drug’s half‑life is approximately 5 hours, but its immunosuppressive impact persists longer due to intracellular nucleotide pools.

Conditions Treated with Azathioprine

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – reduces flare frequency and steroid requirement.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – used when conventional disease‑modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are insufficient.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – maintenance therapy for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis – second‑line therapy when steroids cannot be tapered.
• Dermatomyositis / Polymyositis – controls muscle inflammation.
• Organ Transplantation (kidney, liver, heart) – part of standard triple‑drug regimens to prevent rejection.

In Hong Kong, the prevalence of autoimmune rheumatic diseases is estimated at .5–1 % of the adult population, creating a steady demand for reliable immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine.

Patient Groups Most Likely to Benefit

• Adults with moderate‑to‑severe SLE or RA who have contraindications or intolerance to biologic agents.
• Patients with IBD who prefer oral maintenance therapy over injectable biologics.
• Post‑transplant recipients requiring long‑term immunosuppression with a well‑established safety record.
• Individuals unable to tolerate high‑dose corticosteroids due to diabetes, osteoporosis, or glaucoma.

Azathioprine is not appropriate for patients with active severe infection, known hypersensitivity to thiopurines, or significant bone‑marrow suppression at baseline.

Pregnant women should only use azathioprine when the benefits outweigh potential fetal risks, as recommended by the Hong Kong Department of Health.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort (often transient).
• Mild leukopenia (white‑blood‑cell count 3.5–4. × 10⁹/L).
• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST up to 2 × upper limit).
• Increased susceptibility to minor infections (e.g., upper‑respiratory tract).

Rare

• Pancreatitis (acute abdominal pain with raised amylase/lipase).
• Hair loss (alopecia) reversible after dose reduction.
• Photosensitivity reactions.

Serious

• Severe bone‑marrow suppression (agranulocytosis, severe anemia).
• Hepatotoxicity leading to cholestatic hepatitis.
• Opportunistic infections (e.g., cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia).
• Increased long‑term risk of lymphoma and non‑melanoma skin cancer.

Drug‑Drug Interactions

• Allopurinol and other xanthine oxidase inhibitors markedly increase azathioprine toxicity; dose should be reduced to ≤25 % of the usual dose.
• Warfarin – azathioprine may enhance anticoagulant effect; INR monitoring is required.
• Live vaccines – contraindicated while on azathioprine due to impaired immunity.
• Mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, or other immunosuppressants – additive bone‑marrow suppression; combined use only under specialist supervision.

Patients should have baseline complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests, then repeat every 4–8 weeks during the first 6 months and periodically thereafter.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Usual adult dose for autoimmune disease: 1–3 mg/kg/day, divided into one or two doses. Typical starting dose is 50 mg once daily, titrated based on clinical response and laboratory monitoring.
• Transplant dose: 2–5 mg/kg/day, individualized by transplant team.
• Missed dose: Take the missed tablet as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within 4 hours; in that case, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, and profound leukopenia. Seek emergency medical care; activated charcoal may be considered if presentation is within 1 hour. Hemodialysis is ineffective for azathioprine removal.
• Food & alcohol: Tablet may be taken with or without food. Alcohol can increase liver toxicity; limit intake.
• Comorbidities: Adjust dose in patients with renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min) and monitor liver function closely in chronic hepatitis or fatty liver disease.

Buying Azathioprine from Our Online Pharmacy

Azathioprine can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. We source the medication from internationally accredited manufacturers who comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, ensuring batch‑to‑batch consistency and regulatory quality.

• Affordable pricing: Our cost structure is close to manufacturer price, offering the generic version at a fraction of branded alternatives.
• Verified quality: All products undergo third‑party laboratory testing for potency, purity, and sterility before dispatch.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet packaging with optional 7‑day express courier or standard international airmail (approximately 3 weeks). Tracking is provided for every order.
• Online‑only access: Patients who face limited local pharmacy stock or insurance restrictions can obtain azathioprine without leaving home.
• Pharmacy broker service: We collaborate with licensed overseas pharmacies, allowing us to arrange the required prescription electronically, eliminating the need for a local doctor’s note while still complying with Hong Kong regulations.

Our service focuses on privacy, reliability, and timely access to essential immunosuppressive therapy.

FAQ

• Is azathioprine covered by Hong Kong’s public health insurance schemes?
  Public insurance (the HA) may reimburse azathioprine when prescribed for approved indications, but coverage varies by hospital and disease category. Patients should confirm eligibility with their treating specialist.

• Can azathioprine be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
  Azathioprine is classified as Category D (risk) in some jurisdictions, but many rheumatologists continue low‑dose therapy during pregnancy if disease control is essential. It is excreted in breast milk in minimal amounts; breastfeeding decisions should be made with a physician’s guidance.

• What laboratory tests are required before starting azathioprine?
  Baseline CBC, liver function panel (ALT, AST, bilirubin), and renal function (serum creatinine, eGFR) are mandatory. Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) activity testing is recommended to identify patients at high risk of severe myelosuppression.

• Does azathioprine interact with herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort?
  St. John’s wort induces CYP enzymes that may modestly lower azathioprine levels, potentially reducing efficacy. Patients should disclose all supplements to their clinician.

• How long can a patient remain on azathioprine?
  Long‑term therapy is common; many patients stay on azathioprine for years or lifelong, provided periodic monitoring shows stable blood counts and liver function.

• Is there a generic name difference between regions (e.g., US vs EU vs Asia)?
  The active moiety remains azathioprine worldwide. Formulation excipients may differ slightly, but therapeutic equivalence is established by regulatory agencies in each region.

• Can azathioprine be used as a rescue therapy for acute flares?
  Because azathioprine has a delayed onset, it is not suitable for immediate flare control. Short‑term high‑dose steroids are preferred for acute exacerbations, with azathioprine continued for maintenance.

• What is the recommended method for safely importing azathioprine into Hong Kong for personal use?
  Importation for personal medical use is permitted under the “Personal Use Import Permit” if the medication is prescribed by a qualified clinician. Our online pharmacy assists customers in obtaining the necessary documentation for customs clearance.

• Are there special considerations for elderly patients?
  Older adults are more prone to bone‑marrow suppression and hepatic metabolism changes. Starting at the lower end of the dose range (≤1 mg/kg/day) and more frequent monitoring is advisable.

• What should a patient do if they develop a rash while on azathioprine?
  A new skin rash may indicate a hypersensitivity reaction or early sign of drug‑induced lupus. The patient should stop the medication and seek urgent medical evaluation.

Glossary

Immunosuppressant

A class of drugs that diminish the activity of the immune system, preventing it from attacking the body’s own tissues or rejecting transplanted organs.

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT)

An enzyme that metabolises azathioprine; low TPMT activity increases the risk of severe bone‑marrow toxicity.

Agranulocytosis

A drastic reduction in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), leading to a markedly increased infection risk.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

Regulatory standards that ensure pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Azathioprine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Azathioprine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.