Who can and cannot take azathioprine

Most adults and children can take azathioprine.

You'll have a blood test before you start taking this medicine to make sure it's safe for you.

Azathioprine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before taking this medicine if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to azathioprine or any other medicine, including mercaptopurine, a medicine for treating conditions including blood cancer
• have an infection or a high temperature, or generally feel unwell
• have any unusual bleeding or bruising
• have ever had any liver problems
• have ever had cancer
• have a condition that affects your bone marrow
• are due to have surgery involving muscle relaxants
• have Lesch Nyhan syndrome, or a rare inherited condition affecting your NUDT15 gene
• have ever been told that your body produces too little thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT, an enzyme)
• are pregnant or trying to get pregnant