mercaptopurine Health Article

Generic name(s):

mercaptopurine

Brand name(s):

Purinethol

What is the most important information I should know about mercaptopurine?

Before taking mercaptopurine, tell your doctor if you are allgergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney or liver disease, or any type of infection.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, mouth sores, dark urine, severe stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Mercaptopurine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What is mercaptopurine?

Mercaptopurine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Mercaptopurine is used to treat acute lymphatic leukemia or acute myelogenous leukemia. Mercaptopurine is usually given together with other cancer medications.

Mercaptopurine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mercaptopurine?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to mercaptopurine.

Before taking mercaptopurine, tell your doctor if you are allgergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver problems;
• kidney problems; or

• any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use mercaptopurine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use mercaptopurine without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether mercaptopurine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take mercaptopurine?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Mercaptopurine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store mercaptopurine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a mercaptopurine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, easy bleeding or bruising, fever or other signs of infection, and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

What should I avoid while taking mercaptopurine?

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.