Does Azathioprine Interact With Prednisone?
In a detailed case report, 4 documented lymphopenia, diminished IgG and IgM levels, CMV infection, and a decreased thymic shadow were noted in an infant born to a mother receiving 150 mg azathioprine and 30 mg prednisone daily throughout pregnancy.
Severity: Minor
Severity basis: warnings section. Combining Azathioprine (Immunosuppressant) and Prednisone (Systemic corticosteroid) is classified as a minor interaction.
What to Do
This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.
How This Interaction Works
Interactions like this one can happen when two medicines have overlapping effects, or when one changes how the other is absorbed, broken down, or cleared from the body. Azathioprine is a immunosuppressant and Prednisone is a systemic corticosteroid; together they are documented as a minor interaction. How much this matters depends on your dose, your other medications, and your overall health.
If You Take Both Medications
If you have been prescribed both Azathioprine and Prednisone, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.
From the FDA Label
In a detailed case report, 4 documented lymphopenia, diminished IgG and IgM levels, CMV infection, and a decreased thymic shadow were noted in an infant born to a mother receiving 150 mg azathioprine and 30 mg prednisone daily throughout pregnancy.
Source: FDA structured product labeling (set_id 040d010a-b1b2-4db7-905d-8aa7f1bab0cd).
Check these against your full medication list in our free Interaction Checker
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take Azathioprine and Prednisone together?
Azathioprine and Prednisone have a documented minor interaction. This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.
How serious is the Azathioprine and Prednisone interaction?
It is classified as a minor interaction, based on the FDA label's warnings section. A minor interaction is usually limited in effect but is still worth discussing with your care team.
What should I do if I'm taking both Azathioprine and Prednisone?
If you have been prescribed both Azathioprine and Prednisone, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.