What is Mercaptopurine?
Mercaptopurine can be used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphocytic lymphoma. Mercaptopurine can be given in combination with other cancer drugs. Mercaptopurine can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Mercaptopurine
When symptoms of allergy reactions present themselves, medical help must be sought immediately: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling on lips, face throat or tongue should all be sought immediately for medical assistance.
Mercaptopurine can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Low blood counts: fever, chills, and tiredness; mouth sores or skin sores. Easy bruising. Unusual bleeding. Pale skin. cold hands and feet. Feeling lightheaded.
- Liver problems: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upper stomach pain, swelling of your midsection dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
- Weight loss.
Mercaptopurine can cause a number of side effects.
- Low blood cell counts
- The bruised or bleeding area;
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Diarrhea;
- Changes in the skin's color.
- Hair loss;
- General ill feelings
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 and report any.
Warnings
If you've tried thioguanine or mercaptopurine before and found that they didn't work, then don’t use them. People who use mercaptopurine can develop a fast-growing, rare type of cancer (lymphoma). The condition is fatal and affects the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fatigue, night sweats, or fever; feeling full or bloated in your stomach; easy bleeding or bruising; and weight loss.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever tried mercaptopurine (or thioguanine) and it didn't work, you shouldn’t use this medication. Mercaptopurine can cause rare lymphomas of the liver, bone marrow, and spleen. You may increase your chances of getting other cancers by using mercaptopurine. Your doctor can tell you more about the risks that are specific to your situation.
If you've ever:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- An inherited disorder in which the body does not produce enough tpmt (thiopurine-methyltransferase).
- Any type of bacterial or fungal infection
- Ulcerative colitis is treated with mesalamine or sulfasalazine.
Mercaptopurine can harm an unborn child, particularly when taken during the first three months of pregnancy. Prevent pregnancy by using effective contraception, and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while you are taking Mercaptopurine.
How to take Mercaptopurine?
Follow the directions or guides included with your medication exactly, even if they change from what was originally prescribed by your physician. Sometimes dosage adjustments will occur; therefore it's essential that you take it exactly as intended. Before measuring a dosage, shake the orally suspended liquid. You can use the syringe that comes with your medicine or a dose-measuring device. Handle mercaptopurine oral suspension or tablets with care. Mercaptopurine can be harmful if you get it in your eyes or skin. Wash your skin or eyes with soap and warm water if this happens. If you still experience redness, swelling, or itching after washing off your medicine, seek medical help. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor how to properly dispose of any unused medication. Mercaptopurine increases your chances of getting a liver problem, an infection, or bleeding. Medical tests will be required frequently. The results may delay your next dosage.
Mercaptopurine may affect the kidneys. Keep your kidneys functioning properly by drinking plenty of fluids. Other medications may be prescribed to prevent kidney side effects. Continue to use this medication as prescribed by your doctor. Keep mercaptopurine away from heat and moisture. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a dosage, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out for poison assistance as soon as possible by dialing 1-800-222-1222, or seeking immediate medical attention. An overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as early symptoms. The symptoms can include a fever or even flu-like symptoms.
What should be avoided?
Avoid receiving a live vaccine when using mercaptopurine. It may be that the vaccine does not protect you as effectively and will not provide you with full protection. The live vaccines are measles (MMR), rubella, polio (rotavirus), yellow fever (typhoid), varicella (Chickenpox), as well as the nasal flu vaccine (influenza). Stay away from people with infections or illnesses. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
The liver can be damaged by mercaptopurine, particularly if you are also taking certain medications for infection, tuberculosis, or depression, as well as birth control or hormone replacement. Other risks include high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including:
- Allopurinol;
- Olsalazine, mesalazine, sulfasalazine, or similar medicines;
- Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole
- Warfarin is also known as Coumadin (Jantoven).
The list below is not exhaustive. Other medications, such as vitamins and herbal products, may also affect mercaptopurine. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
