azathioprine
- n an immunosuppressive drug (trade name Imuran) used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ
- Among the several courses open to them to try to blunt the rejection mechanism, Washkansky's doctors chose to use two drugs, azathioprine (Imuran) and cortisone, plus radiation.
- To counter this intolerance, the physicians on Barnard's team at Groote Schuur Hospital tried to suppress lymphocyte (and therefore antibody) production with drugs: azathioprine .
- The drugs used, mainly azathioprine (Imuran) and prednisone, are so highly potent that by themselves they can seriously weaken or help to kill a patient.