Side effects of Azoran and Better Alternatives in Ayurveda To Replace it

ABSTRACT

Immune system of our body guards us against the foreign bodies. Whenever there is a foreign attack, it fights against them to protect the body. However, when the body fails to differentiate between the foreign and body’s own cells, that gives rise to autoimmune conditions. Autoimmune diseases are the conditions when the immune system mistakenly attacks one’s own body. For example, Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Immune thrombocytopenia etc. In this article, let us discuss in detail about medications such as Azoran used in treatment of immune thrombocytopenia, its side effects and safer alternatives of Azoran in Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION – WHAT IS ITP?

ITP, or immune thrombocytopenia, or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a condition characterized by reduction in the number of platelets in the blood. This condition often leads to bruises under the skin and bleeding which is why it is also called autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. Purpura here refers to purplish discoloration of the skin

There are Two kinds of ITP

1. Acute immune thrombocytopenia

This usually affects children and cures itself within 6-8 months.

2. Chronic immune thrombocytopenia

This usually occurs in older age and symptoms can last up to years.

CAUSES

In ITP, the immune system attacks the body’s own cells which results in antibody production against platelets and eventually leading to reduction in platelets. However, some factors may trigger the immune response :

1. 1. Infections like hepatitis C, viral etc
2. Pregnancy
3. Other immune disorders such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus etc.
4. Medication taken over the counter (ibuprofen or aspirin)
5. Trauma

SYMPTOMS

People with ITP may remain asymptomatic for long periods of time. By the time symptoms show, platelets drop significantly. Most common symptoms are:

1. Nose bleeds
2. Bleeding in gums
3. Purplish bruises on joints
4. Long healing cuts
5. Blood in vomit, stool or urine
6. Heavy menstrual flow

DIAGNOSIS

1. Complete blood count
2. Urine tests
3. Electrolyte levels
4. Anti-Platelet Antibody test

TREATMENT

Treatment is based on multiple factors. Age, overall health, extent of the disease and frequency of bleeding are some factors taken into consideration. The medications usually suggested are

1. Steroids
2. Intravenous gamma globulin(IVGG)
3. Rh- immune globulin
4. Rituxan
5. Romiplostim and Eltrombopag
6. Immunosuppressants such as Azoran or Azathioprine

Why Immunosuppressants?

If the ITP is chronic and other drugs don’t show much improvement, Immunosuppressants are used. They inhibit the activity of the ITP immune system. One important point to keep in mind is that these drugs not only inhibit the activity of the ITP related immune system but also inhibit the overall immune activity which can give rise to more issues in the body. As a result, these drugs have side effects and are not much preferred. Azathioprine or Azoran is one of the most common immunosuppressants used. Next, Let us take a detailed look into Azoran and its side effects.

WHAT IS AZORAN (AZATHIOPRINE)?

Azathioprine belongs to the class of immunosuppressants. It works by reducing the strength of an overactive immune system and preventing the immune reaction on the body’s own cells. It is used in multiple autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and organ transplant. Azathioprine is sold under the brand name of Azoran. It is available in the market as Azoran 25.

SIDE EFFECTS OF AZORAN

As we know, Azoran (azathioprine) works by inhibiting the overall immune system and not just the ITP related immune system. This makes it a drug that causes adverse effects in the body and leads to multiple other problems due to weakened immunity. Although there are benefits of azathioprine in ITP, considering the side effects it is not much preferred.

Let us Take a look at the Side effects of Azoran

1. Bone marrow suppression
2. Decreased lymphocytes
3. Decrease in interleukin 2 secretion
4. Reduced immunoglobulin production

Due to the above mentioned features, following side effects are seen in patients with Azathioprine:

1. Anemia
2. Leucopenia
3. Increased susceptibility to infections
4. Weakness
5. Headache
6. Fatigue
7. Dizziness
8. Fever
9. Chills
10. Shortness of breath

AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON ITP

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine which majorly focuses on balancing out all the three doshas of the body and restoring the normal health of the body. ITP can be correlated as Rakta-Pitta in Ayurveda.

PATHOGENESIS

Excess consumption of acidic, pungent and salty food flavors leads to the aggravation of pitta dosha. This leads to the formation of Ama or toxins in Ayurveda which affects the Rakta Dhatu in the body and leads to Raktapitta.

Raktapitta can be classified into three types

1. Urdhvag : When Vata and Pitta are vitiated along with the blood, it leads to the oozing of the blood from the upper orifices.
2. Adhog : When Kapha and Pitta are vitiated along with the blood, it leads to the oozing of the blood from lower orifices.
3. Teryak : When all the doshas are vitiated and circulated in the bloodstream, the manifestation is subcutaneous.

AYURVEDA MANAGEMENT WITH SAFER ALTERNATIVES OF AZORAN

Ayurveda has a holistic approach of treatment when it comes to ITP. It  focuses on balancing the tridoshas and balancing the immune system back to normal. Ayurveda herbs are better and safer alternatives of azathioprine. These herbs are both curative and preventive in nature.

The Herbs with Following Characteristics are Preferred for Treatment

1. Tikta Ras (Blood purifying)
2. Madhur Vipak (Rakta nourishing)
3. Sheet Veerya (Pitta pacifying)
4. Kashaya Ras (Wound healing)

Common Herbs That Have These Characteristics Are

1. GILOY

Giloy(Tinospora cordifolia) is a safer herbal alternative of Azoran. It helps in reducing inflammation and restoring the strength of the immune system. It also strengthens the bone marrow and thus helps in stimulating the production of platelets.It also balances the tridoshas, thus helpful in treating ITP.

2. ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha is known as Rasayana in Ayurveda. It is an immunomodulator, increases the cell count and reduces the inflammation. It also helps in dealing with the associated complaints of ITP such as stress, fatigue, weakness. This makes it safer and one of the best alternatives of Azathioprine.

3. POMEGRANATE

Pomegranate Fruit and fruit feel are astringent in nature which makes it a perfect choice for the reduced hemoglobin levels that come with bleeding. It also helps in healing, provides strength and deals with fatigue. It is light to digest and has a sweet taste post digestion due to which it is nourishing to the Rakata Dhatu(blood).

4. CURCUMIN

Another herbal alternative of Azathioprine(Azoran) is curcumin. Curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric and has been used from the time immemorial. It has antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the inflammation in the body mainly in the spleen which reduces the platelet destruction and reduces the risk of bleeding. This makes it one of the best alternatives of Azoran.

5. PAPAYA

Papaya is yet another herbal alternative of the salt azathioprine. It has a phytochemical known as acetogenin which increases the platelet count. It has natural flavonoids and carotenoids that have an anti-inflammatory effect. It is a natural herbal alternative to Azoran.

HERBAL ALTERNATIVES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified company that prepares herbal,100% pure and natural ayurveda products. All the products are cruelty free, made with pure herbs under the strict supervision of Ayurveda doctors. These herbs are safe to use and preservative free and have no side effects. Planet Ayurveda has ITP LEVEL-2 (Platelet Gush) pack that has a combination of various herbs used in ITP. ITP LEVEL 2 pack has the following ingredients:

1. Spirulina Capsules
2. Immune Booster
3. Kumar Kalyan Ras
4. Green Essentials
5. Punarnava  Mandur
6. Brahmi Chyawanprash
7. Ashwagandha Capsules
8. Pitta Balance
9. Plato PlanSyrup
10. Jaimangal Ras

 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

These are the different herbs and medicines made by planet ayurveda for the patients of ITP. Let us take a quick look at some of them:

1. Spirulina Capsules

These Capsules by planet Ayurveda contain spirulina also called as blue green algae.Spirulina is rich in proteins and other vitamins and minerals which makes it the perfect choice for fatigue weakness and allergies. It has antioxidant properties and a rich source of vitamin B and E.

DOSAGE: 1 CAPSULE TWICE DAILY AFTER MEAL WITH PLAIN WATER

2. Green Essentials

Green essentials is also a capsule form of medicine by planet ayurveda that contains grape seed, wheat grass, green tea, spirulina and amla (Emblica officinalis).This formulation prevents aging, has mineral compounds that promotes healthy digestion and immune system. This formulation has both a curative and preventive effect on the consumer.

DOSAGE: 1 CAPSULE TWICE DAILY AFTER MEAL WITH PLAIN WATER.

3. Punarnava Mandur

Punarnava mandoor is a tablet form of classical Ayurveda preparation that finds its mention in the ayurveda textbooks. It can be used for the treatment of anemia because it increases the low levels of blood cells. It has herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Chavya (Piper chaba) etc.  All these herbs have an anti-ageing and rejuvenating effect on the body. It improves the digestive effect and increases the deficient iron in the body.

DOSAGE: 1 CAPSULE TWICE DAILY AFTER MEAL WITH PLAIN WATER./p>

4. Plato Plan Syrup

This medication is a syrup based medication manufactured by Planet Ayurveda that aims at increasing the platelets of the patient. This syrup contains Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Eranda karkati (Carica papaya), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata) etc. It provides the required nutrients to the body, increases the number of platelets, and increases the appetite and digestion of the patient.  All of these things help the person dealing with low platelet count in ITP and lead them to a speedy recovery

DOSAGE: 1 CAPSULE TWICE DAILY AFTER MEAL WITH PLAIN WATER.

Planet Ayurveda pack contains all these products and many other formulations mentioned above. All these formulations are authentically made and certified. They are proven to show best results in immune thrombocytopenia.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, we can say that ITP or autoimmune thrombocytopenia is a curable disorder and can be recovered well with Ayurveda medicines which are safer alternatives to chemical drugs like Azoran (azathioprine). With Ayurveda, ITP can be well recovered with the least side effects. Following a strict diet regime, lifestyle regime and the above-mentioned medicines, one can cure and completely heal from autoimmune disorders like idiopathic thrombocytopenia.