What is a major therapeutic use of azathioprine?

Azathioprine is primarily used for its immunosuppressive properties. It is often prescribed to patients who have autoimmune disorders, organ transplants, or certain inflammatory diseases. By suppressing the immune system, azathioprine helps prevent the body from attacking itself in autoimmune conditions or from rejecting transplanted organs.

In the context of organ transplantation, for example, the drug is essential in reducing the risk of rejection by dampening the body’s immune response to the foreign tissues. This ability to modulate immune function makes it a critical component in the management of conditions where the immune system plays a significant role.