Compare Sandimmune vs. Imuran

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Sandimmune (Cyclosporine)

Imuran (Azathioprine)

Prescription only

No information currently available

Prevents organ rejection and relieves joint pain and inflammation.

Imuran (Azathioprine) is an effective medication for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and transplant rejection, but comes with a heavy list of side effects.

Upsides

No information currently available

Imuran (Azathioprine) has proven to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Imuran (Azathioprine) decreases the pain, stiffness, and swelling that most people have with rheumatoid arthritis.
You can still get vaccinated for the flu while taking Imuran (Azathioprine).
Drinking alcohol is okay while taking Imuran (Azathioprine).
Most side effects are temporary.

Downsides

No information currently available

If you take Imuran (Azathioprine) for rheumatoid arthritis, you'll likely need to take additional medications to control your symptoms.
While taking Imuran (Azathioprine), you will have to get your blood tested once a week for the first month, every other week for the second and third month, and once every month after that.
Along with other side effects, your hair may begin to change color or fall out when you first start taking Imuran (Azathioprine), but this is usually temporary.
You'll likely have to take additional medications, like methotrexate to keep your rheumatoid arthritis in remission.

Used for

Cardiac transplant rejection; Prophylaxis Liver transplant rejection; Prophylaxis Plaque psoriasis (Severe)
Recalcitrant
In nonimmunocompromised patients Renal transplant rejection; Prophylaxis Rheumatoid arthritis (Severe)
With inadequate response to methotrexate
Alopecia Aplastic anemia Graft versus host disease; Prophylaxis Lung transplant rejection; Treatment and Prophylaxis Nephrotic syndrome Pure red cell aplasia Systemic lupus erythematosus Ulcerative colitis (Severe)