MERCAPTOPURINE - ORAL

MERCAPTOPURINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (mer-KAP-toe-PURE-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Purinethol, Purixan

GENERIC NAME(S): mercaptopurine

Uses

USES: This medication is used with other drugs to treat a certain type of cancer (acute lymphocytic leukemia). It is a chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of mercaptopurine, especially when used in children and young adults.


How to use MERCAPTOPURINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking mercaptopurine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so may help decrease the risk of certain side effects (kidney problems). If you are using the suspension, shake the bottle well for at least 30 seconds before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using the provided special measuring device. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Avoid getting any of the suspension on your skin or in your eyes. If contact occurs, wash the affected skin area or rinse your eyes with water. Consult your pharmacist for details. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite may occur. Temporary hair loss may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: joint pain/swelling, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pain in the lower back/side). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: symptoms of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). This medication may decrease bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: unusual tiredness, pale skin, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), easy bruising/bleeding. Mercaptopurine may rarely increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer (such as lymphoma, skin, cervical). This risk is higher in children/young adults being treated for certain bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). Keep all medical and laboratory appointments. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: swollen abdomen, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, unusual skin changes (such as new skin lesion or bump, or change in size or color of a mole), unusual vaginal bleeding/discharge. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking mercaptopurine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to azathioprine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, a certain enzyme disorder (TPMT deficiency). Mercaptopurine can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using mercaptopurine. Mercaptopurine may harm an unborn baby, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: febuxostat, other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as rituximab, tofacitinib). This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as uric acid levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. Mercaptopurine is very similar to azathioprine. Do not use medications containing azathioprine while using mercaptopurine.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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MERCAPTOPURINE 50 MG TABLET

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Faq for MERCAPTOPURINE - ORAL

Mercaptopurine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. It is used to treat certain types of leukemia and other cancers.

Mercaptopurine works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and preventing their spread in the body. It inhibits the production of DNA and RNA, which are necessary for the reproduction of cancer cells.

Mercaptopurine is primarily used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer. It may also be used in other types of leukemia, as well as in inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Mercaptopurine is usually taken orally once daily. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on your specific condition and response to the medication. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and never adjust the dosage without consulting them first.

Common side effects of mercaptopurine include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash, hair loss, and increased susceptibility to infections. Rare but serious side effects may include liver problems, pancreatitis, and blood disorders. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

Mercaptopurine may interact with certain drugs, including certain antibiotics, anticancer drugs, and certain medications used to treat ulcerative colitis. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid any potential interactions.

Mercaptopurine may harm an unborn baby, so it is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is also advised to avoid breastfeeding while taking mercaptopurine, as it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing infant. It is best to consult your doctor for guidance if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The effects of mercaptopurine may not be immediate and may take several weeks or even months to show significant improvement. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed and not to stop abruptly without consulting your doctor.

It is generally advised to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking mercaptopurine. Alcohol may increase the risk of certain side effects and can also adversely affect liver function, which may be further impacted by the medication.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.