AZATHIOPRINE

85/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Sebela Pharmaceuticals Inc.

High Serious Adverse Events with AZATHIOPRINE

237,317 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About AZATHIOPRINE

AZATHIOPRINE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Sebela Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Based on analysis of 237,317 FDA adverse event reports, AZATHIOPRINE has a safety score of 85 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for AZATHIOPRINE include OFF LABEL USE, DRUG INEFFECTIVE, CONDITION AGGRAVATED, ARTHRALGIA, DIARRHOEA. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for AZATHIOPRINE.

AI Safety Analysis

Azathioprine has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 237,317 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Sebela Pharmaceuticals Inc..

The most commonly reported adverse events include Off Label Use, Drug Ineffective, Condition Aggravated. Of classified reports, 86.5% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. AZATHIOPRINE reports include a high percentage of serious adverse events, particularly infections and gastrointestinal issues.

The drug is associated with a wide range of reactions, indicating potential for diverse side effects. Reports show a significant number of fatalities and severe conditions like pneumonia and sepsis.

Patients taking Azathioprine should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. AZATHIOPRINE can cause serious drug interactions, and patients should be monitored for signs of infection and gastrointestinal issues. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 85/100

Azathioprine received a safety concern score of 85/100 (high concern). This is based on a 86.5% serious event ratio across 84,838 classified reports. The score accounts for 237,317 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

OFF LABEL USE12,776 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE12,642 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED6,364 reports
ARTHRALGIA5,722 reports
DIARRHOEA5,282 reports
NAUSEA5,077 reports
FATIGUE4,976 reports
HEADACHE4,250 reports
CROHN^S DISEASE4,208 reports
PAIN4,103 reports
PYREXIA3,956 reports
PNEUMONIA3,792 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN3,709 reports
DYSPNOEA3,605 reports
MALAISE3,592 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE3,566 reports
VOMITING3,510 reports
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS3,475 reports
RASH3,363 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED3,292 reports
INTENTIONAL PRODUCT USE ISSUE3,125 reports
TREATMENT FAILURE2,993 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY2,936 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY2,846 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED2,781 reports
JOINT SWELLING2,625 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION2,589 reports
ASTHENIA2,544 reports
COLITIS ULCERATIVE2,538 reports
DIZZINESS2,535 reports
HYPERTENSION2,522 reports
INFUSION RELATED REACTION2,402 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY2,266 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE2,253 reports
MATERNAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY2,239 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS2,224 reports
INFECTION2,165 reports
PRURITUS2,107 reports
ALOPECIA2,040 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION2,002 reports
COUGH1,967 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT DECREASED1,931 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT1,901 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS1,881 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT INCOMPLETE1,861 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED1,824 reports
C REACTIVE PROTEIN INCREASED1,773 reports
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS1,757 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING1,745 reports
ARTHROPATHY1,740 reports
INFLAMMATION1,720 reports
ARTHRITIS1,711 reports
EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY1,677 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER1,674 reports
SYNOVITIS1,649 reports
URTICARIA1,632 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA1,627 reports
DECREASED APPETITE1,619 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION1,619 reports
ANAEMIA1,597 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER1,571 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS1,556 reports
CONTRAINDICATED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED1,486 reports
SEPSIS1,484 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION1,465 reports
INSOMNIA1,462 reports
DEPRESSION1,441 reports
ANXIETY1,435 reports
CHEST PAIN1,428 reports
MUSCULAR WEAKNESS1,426 reports
COVID 191,424 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN1,424 reports
HAEMATOCHEZIA1,365 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED1,358 reports
SINUSITIS1,351 reports
FALL1,326 reports
SWELLING1,323 reports
BACK PAIN1,293 reports
OSTEOARTHRITIS1,289 reports
DEATH1,278 reports
MOBILITY DECREASED1,277 reports
FOETAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY1,247 reports
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION1,212 reports
ERYTHEMA1,209 reports
PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY1,198 reports
WHEEZING1,191 reports
LUNG DISORDER1,190 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE1,188 reports
DRUG INTERACTION1,156 reports
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL INCREASED1,150 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE1,146 reports
PEMPHIGUS1,144 reports
STOMATITIS1,136 reports
OEDEMA PERIPHERAL1,131 reports
LEUKOPENIA1,119 reports
ABDOMINAL DISTENSION1,112 reports
PARAESTHESIA1,112 reports
HAND DEFORMITY1,111 reports
PERICARDITIS1,109 reports
WOUND1,097 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • High percentage of serious adverse events (86.5%)
  • Frequent reports of infections, including pneumonia and sepsis
  • Multiple reports of gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and abdominal pain

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 45,460, Male: 27,717, Unknown: 258. The most frequently reported age groups are age 40 (1,327 reports), age 60 (1,188 reports), age 65 (1,141 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 84,838 classified reports for AZATHIOPRINE:

  • Serious: 73,414 reports (86.5%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 11,424 reports (13.5%)
Serious 86.5%Non-Serious 13.5%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female45,460 (61.9%)
Male27,717 (37.7%)
Unknown258 (0.4%)

Reports by Age

Age 401,327 reports
Age 601,188 reports
Age 651,141 reports
Age 431,134 reports
Age 341,124 reports
Age 591,108 reports
Age 531,103 reports
Age 551,076 reports
Age 441,055 reports
Age 631,032 reports
Age 52993 reports
Age 54992 reports
Age 57984 reports
Age 48961 reports
Age 62952 reports
Age 45948 reports
Age 33943 reports
Age 51936 reports
Age 30929 reports
Age 37924 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

AZATHIOPRINE can cause serious drug interactions, and patients should be monitored for signs of infection and gastrointestinal issues.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Azathioprine, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include off label use, drug ineffective, condition aggravated, arthralgia, diarrhoea. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Always follow prescribed dosages and schedules to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Report any signs of infection or gastrointestinal issues to your healthcare provider immediately. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

AZATHIOPRINE is subject to strict FDA oversight due to its potential for severe adverse reactions, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Azathioprine?

The FDA has received approximately 237,317 adverse event reports associated with Azathioprine. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Azathioprine?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Azathioprine include Off Label Use, Drug Ineffective, Condition Aggravated, Arthralgia, Diarrhoea. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Off Label Use (12,776 reports), Drug Ineffective (12,642 reports), Condition Aggravated (6,364 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Azathioprine.

What percentage of Azathioprine adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 84,838 classified reports, 73,414 (86.5%) were classified as serious and 11,424 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Azathioprine (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Azathioprine break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 45,460, Male: 27,717, Unknown: 258. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Azathioprine?

The most frequently reported age groups for Azathioprine adverse events are: age 40: 1,327 reports, age 60: 1,188 reports, age 65: 1,141 reports, age 43: 1,134 reports, age 34: 1,124 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Azathioprine?

The primary manufacturer associated with Azathioprine adverse event reports is Sebela Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Azathioprine?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Azathioprine include: Nausea, Fatigue, Headache, Crohn^S Disease, Pain. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Azathioprine?

You can report adverse events from Azathioprine to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Azathioprine's safety score and what does it mean?

Azathioprine has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. AZATHIOPRINE reports include a high percentage of serious adverse events, particularly infections and gastrointestinal issues.

What are the key safety signals for Azathioprine?

Key safety signals identified in Azathioprine's adverse event data include: High percentage of serious adverse events (86.5%). Frequent reports of infections, including pneumonia and sepsis. Multiple reports of gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and abdominal pain. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Azathioprine interact with other drugs?

AZATHIOPRINE can cause serious drug interactions, and patients should be monitored for signs of infection and gastrointestinal issues. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Azathioprine.

What should patients know before taking Azathioprine?

Always follow prescribed dosages and schedules to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Report any signs of infection or gastrointestinal issues to your healthcare provider immediately.

Are Azathioprine side effects well-documented?

Azathioprine has 237,317 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. The drug is associated with a wide range of reactions, indicating potential for diverse side effects. The volume of reports for Azathioprine reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Azathioprine?

AZATHIOPRINE is subject to strict FDA oversight due to its potential for severe adverse reactions, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing conditions. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to AZATHIOPRINE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

CiprofloxacinAmoxicillinMetformin
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.