Mercaptopurine (By mouth)

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Treats acute lymphatic leukemia.

Drug classes

Antineoplastic Agent, Antirheumatic, Cytotoxic, Gastrointestinal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Mercaptopurine (6-MP) belongs to the group of medicines known as antimetabolites. It is used in combination with other medicines as maintenance treatment of acute lymphatic leukemia.

Mercaptopurine interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by mercaptopurine, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor.

Before you begin treatment with mercaptopurine, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Suspension, Tablet

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Shake the bottle for at least 30 seconds to make sure the oral liquid is well mixed. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Clean the dosing syringe with warm, soapy water after each use. Rinse the syringe well, and let it dry before you use it again.

Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Once opened, use the oral liquid within 6 weeks.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use this medicine together with azathioprine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Some medicines can affect how mercaptopurine works. Tell your doctor if you are using allopurinol, mesalamine, olsalazine, sulfasalazine, or warfarin.

This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to mercaptopurine, or if you are pregnant.

Warnings

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood or bone marrow problems (such as anemia, low white blood cells, or low platelets in the blood), or any type of infection.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Liver problems An increased risk of other types of cancer

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Do not stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Bloody or black, tarry stools

Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or yellow skin or eyes

Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, and body aches

Severe pain or swelling in your joints

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Darkening skin

Hair loss

Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Purinethol, Purixan

There may be other brand names for this medicine.