Is there a generic for Imuran (azathioprine)?
Yes. Imuran is the brand name for azathioprine, and azathioprine has generic versions available. Generic azathioprine is used for the same conditions as Imuran because it contains the same active ingredient (azathioprine). [1]
What’s the difference between generic azathioprine and Imuran?
Generic and brand versions contain the same active ingredient, but they can differ in the manufacturer and inactive ingredients (for example, fillers or tablet formulation details). In most cases, dosing is the same because the active drug is the same. [1]
How do you switch from Imuran to generic azathioprine?
In practice, people switch either by having the pharmacy dispense a generic instead of Imuran (when permitted) or by the prescriber writing a prescription for “azathioprine” rather than “Imuran.” Because azathioprine is used in immune-related treatment and requires monitoring, clinicians typically advise keeping the same dose and monitoring schedule, and watching for any change in tolerance or lab results after switching. [1]
What should patients ask the pharmacy or prescriber?
Common questions include whether the prescription is written as “azathioprine” (generic) or “Imuran,” whether the pharmacy can substitute based on your prescription, and whether any dose adjustment or additional lab monitoring is needed after the switch. [1]
Is “generic Imuran” the same as azathioprine?
Yes. If someone says “generic for Imuran,” they usually mean generic azathioprine (the same medicine under a non-brand name). [1]
Sources
[1] FDA: Drugs@FDA (Azathioprine and brand name Imuran information) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm