azathioprine

[ az-uh-thahy-uh-preen ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a cytotoxic purine analog, C 9 H 7 N 7 O 2 S, used as an immunosuppressive in organ transplantations and in rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissue disorders.

azathioprine

/ ˌæzəˈθaɪəˌpriːn /

noun

1. a synthetic drug that suppresses the normal immune responses of the body and is administered orally during and after organ transplantation and also in certain types of autoimmune disease. Formula: C 9 H 7 N 7 O 2 S

Word History and Origins

Origin of azathioprine¹

1960–65; coinage apparently based on imidazol, thio-, and purine, parts of the chemical name

Word History and Origins

Origin of azathioprine¹

C20: from aza- + thio- + p ( u ) rine

Example Sentences

An immunosuppressant called azathioprine, which is used in pregnancy, risked harming her liver, so Clowse cut the dose.

From Science Magazine

Immunosuppressants Drugs such as azathioprine deliver sustained relief by limiting T-cell numbers, but this can leave recipients vulnerable to infection and other side effects.

From Nature

He blended azathioprine, a drug which suppresses the immune system, with steroids to aid in his pioneering transplants in the 1960s.

From BBC

The product labels for Remicade and Humira have been updated and the product labels for azathioprine and mercaptopurine were being updated to include warnings about HSTCL, the FDA said on its website.

From Reuters

“You take azathioprine?” she asked, looking up from her clipboard.

From New York Times