Azathioprine 50mg tablets

Azathioprine 50mg tablets

Azathioprine 50mg tablets

PRESCRIPTION NEEDED (Pom-V)

Azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs – immune suppressing medicine for autoimmune disease

Azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs are an immunosuppressive medicine used to help manage a range of autoimmune and immune-mediated conditions. In these diseases, the dog’s own immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. This can affect the skin, joints, gut, blood cells or other organs and can cause serious illness if it is not controlled.

Because azathioprine acts on the immune system, it is a powerful drug and must only be used under the direct supervision of a veterinary surgeon. This product contains 56 tablets, each with 50mg of azathioprine. It is classified in the UK as a POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine – Veterinary).

When azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs may be used

Your vet may prescribe azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs when they need to reduce harmful immune activity in conditions such as:

• Certain immune-mediated skin diseases

• Some immune-mediated gut or liver diseases

• Immune-mediated joint and connective tissue problems

• Immune-mediated blood disorders, where the body attacks its own blood cells

This list is not complete, and your own vet will decide whether azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs are appropriate based on your dog’s diagnosis, test results and overall health.

In many cases, azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs are used alongside other medicines, such as steroids or additional immune suppressing drugs. Your vet will build a full treatment plan and will review it regularly.

Use in ferrets

The main use of azathioprine 50mg tablets is in dogs. However, in some situations a specialist vet may decide to use azathioprine in ferrets on a case-by-case basis. This is always under strict veterinary control and careful monitoring, because small animals can be more sensitive to side effects. Never give azathioprine to any pet unless your vet has specifically prescribed it for that individual animal.

How azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs are given

Azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs are given by mouth. Your vet will tell you:

• How many tablets your dog should receive per dose

• How many times per day or week to give the tablets

• Whether to give the tablets with food or on an empty stomach

• How long the treatment is expected to continue

You must follow these dosing instructions exactly. Do not change the dose, stop the medicine or restart it without speaking to your vet, even if your dog appears better. Many immune-mediated diseases need long-term or carefully tapered treatment.

Never give azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs to any other animal, and never use leftover tablets from a previous prescription without veterinary advice.

Monitoring and blood tests

Because azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs affect the immune system and the bone marrow, regular monitoring is very important. Your vet will usually arrange:

• Blood tests to check red cells, white cells and platelets

• Blood tests to check liver values and other key parameters

• Clinical checks on weight, appetite and general wellbeing

These checks help your vet pick up side effects early and adjust the dose if needed. It is important to attend all recommended review appointments while your dog is taking azathioprine 50mg tablets.

Possible side effects

All medicines can cause side effects, and azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs are no exception. Not every dog will experience problems, but you should contact your vet promptly if you notice:

• Loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea

• Unusual bruising, nosebleeds or bleeding gums

• Extreme tiredness, weakness or pale gums

• Yellowing of the eyes or skin

• Any other sudden change that worries you

Your vet may decide to adjust the dose, change the treatment plan or carry out further tests. In rare cases, serious bone marrow or liver effects can occur, which is why monitoring is essential. Always follow your vet’s safety advice when handling and storing azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs.

Handling and safety for people

Azathioprine is an immune suppressing drug that can also affect people. Extra care is needed when handling azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs:

• Pregnant women, people trying for a baby and people with problems handling chemotherapy-type medicines should avoid direct contact with the tablets or dog urine and faeces during treatment.

• Wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling the tablets or cleaning up after your dog.

• Do not split or crush tablets unless your vet has specifically advised it, and avoid inhaling any dust from broken tablets.

• If a person accidentally swallows a tablet, they should seek medical advice immediately and show the medicine packaging.

Storage

Store azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs in the original packaging, out of sight and reach of children and animals. Keep the pack in a cool, dry place and do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Return any unused or expired tablets to your vet or pharmacist for safe disposal.

Important: prescription and legal category

Azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs are a POM-V medicine. This means:

• A written prescription from a veterinary surgeon is required before supply

• The medicine must be used only for the animal and condition specified by your vet

• Dose changes and repeat supplies should only be made following veterinary review

If you think your dog’s medicine is not working, or if you are worried about side effects, do not change the dose yourself. Contact your vet for advice. They may adjust the dose, recommend additional tests or consider other treatments.

Summary

Azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs are a powerful immunosuppressive medicine used to control a range of autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. When used carefully, with regular blood tests and close veterinary supervision, they can help reduce harmful inflammation and improve quality of life in affected dogs.

However, because azathioprine 50mg tablets for dogs act on the immune system and bone marrow, careful dosing, monitoring and safe handling are essential. Always follow your vet’s instructions and never give this medicine to any animal without a current veterinary prescription.

You can download the datasheet here

You can visit the manufacturer’s website here
Available in a box of 56 tablets