Azathioprine vs Methotrexate
 | Azathioprine |  | Methotrexate |  |
| Azathioprine is used with other medications to prevent rejection of a kidney transplant. It works by weakening your body's defense system (immune system) to help your body accept the new kidney as if it were your own. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. Azathioprine is also used to treat patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to other medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs such as ibuprofen). Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be caused by the immune system attacking the joints. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as azathioprine helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function. Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of azathioprine, especially when used in children and young adults. | Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. This medication works by interfering with cell growth and by suppressing the immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function. | |||
Alternatives
Reviews
| Add Azathioprine review Have pan colitis, prednisone dependent, taking aza.for 6 months. Started on 25 mg. low dose due to low tmpt, no help, increased to 50 mg. greatly reduced symptoms, ready to increase, but now have high liver enzyme (alkaline phosphate). Doing full liver function panel and ultrasound of liver. Discussed biologics next. Advise everyone with IBD to see an IBD specialist along with gastro. I've had UC for 13 years and would have a flare-up twice a year for 2 to 3 months at a time, every year! (seasonal) This drug has gotten me off Prednisone which I loved too but wasn't healthy for me. My doctor gave me this drug and I love it! I've been in remission for the first time since I started this drug. I take 50mg daily and I have no side effects and I have my life back!!!! | Add Methotrexate review have not really noticed a big change in pain level or fatigue The only concern I have is my hair is thinning. I have stopped the methotrexate for now. the medicine is not relieving my syptoms and causing me to loss my hair. | |||
