-    This medication is a class of drug that is used as an immunosuppressant

-    Often used in autoimmune diseases

-    A pro-drug that metabolizes into other compounds that are effective in treatment.

-    Becomes 6-Mercaptopurine and 6-Thioinosinic acid

-    This medication is also called  [Imuran and Azasan]

Uses:

1.)    Crohn’s Disease
2.)    Ulcerative Colitis
3.)    Multiple Sclerosis
4.)    Rheumatoid Arthritis

Method of Action

   -    Action works as av Purine synthesis Inhibitor
   -    Stops or slows some cellular action
   –    Works specifically with DNA and RNA

Side Effects

     -     Nausea
     -     Vomiting
     -     Rash
     -     Decreases bone marrow growth
     -     Hair loss
     -     other

Can be used on rare ocassions during pregnancy when the benefit outweights the risk