Free tool
Can I eat this with Azathioprine?
Dairy products lower azathioprine levels in your body, and alcohol adds strain to your liver.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 58 foods and drinks for Azathioprine (0 to avoid, 57 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Azathioprine with food?
- You can take them with or without food, but do not take them with milk or dairy products. Take your tablets at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after having milk or dairy products.
- Can I drink milk with Azathioprine?
- Yes, with care. Keep it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after your dose, as it may lower azathioprine levels.
- Can I eat cheese with Azathioprine?
- Yes, with care. Keep it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after your dose, as it may lower azathioprine levels.
- Can I eat yoghurt with Azathioprine?
- Yes, with care. Keep it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after your dose, as it may lower azathioprine levels.
- Can I eat butter with Azathioprine?
- Yes, with care. Keep it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after your dose, as it may lower azathioprine levels.
- Can I eat cream with Azathioprine?
- Yes, with care. Keep it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after your dose, as it may lower azathioprine levels.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Dairy products lower azathioprine levels in your body, and alcohol adds strain to your liver.
Do not take azathioprine with milk or dairy products, as this may lower the levels in your body. Keep them at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after your dose. Limit alcohol to no more than 14 units a week, as both azathioprine and alcohol can affect your liver. Stick to simple meals if you feel sick.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: You can take them with or without food, but do not take them with milk or dairy products. Take your tablets at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after having milk or dairy products.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Take care with Azathioprine· 57
Fine with Azathioprine· 1
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Azathioprine
The pages our answers quote. Open “Where this comes from” on any answer to see the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check
NHS website
About azathioprine
NHS medicines information on azathioprine – what it's used for and key facts.
NHS website
Who can and cannot take azathioprine
NHS medicines information on who can take azathioprine and who may not be able to take it.
NHS website
How and when to take azathioprine
NHS medicines information on dosage for azathioprine, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.
NHS website
Side effects of azathioprine
NHS medicines information on side effects of azathioprine and what you can do to cope.
NHS website
Taking azathioprine with other medicines and herbal supplements
NHS medicines information on possible interactions with azathioprine and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Azathioprine guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Azathioprine
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.
Medicines with similar food rules
Affected by the same foods as Azathioprine.