What is Mercaptopurine?
Mercaptopurine interferes with the synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA). It works by blocking the proliferation of cancerous cells.
What is Mercaptopurine?
Mercaptopurine is used alone or in combination with other drugs in the treatment of lymphoblastic acute leukemia. It can be also be used to treat other types of cancer, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
How should Mercaptopurine be taken?
Typically, Mercaptopurine is administered once a day in the form of tablets or oral suspensions.
Side effects associated with Mercaptopurine
Possible side effects of Mercaptopurine include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomit
- skin that darkens
- hair loss
- skin rash
You should immediately contact a doctor immediately if the drug triggers:
- pallor
- weakness
- shortness of breath
- sore throat, fever, chills or other symptoms of an ongoing infection
- swelling of the legs, ankles or feet
- bruising or bleeding
- jaundice
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- abdominal swelling
- pain in the upper right abdomen
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Mercaptopurine
The intake of Mercaptopurine may increase the risk of developing another form of cancer.
Before starting the treatment, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you are allergic to the active substance, its excipients or any other medication
- If you are taking any other medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: Allopurinol, aminosalicylates, anticoagulants, doxorubicin, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole
- If you have undergone previous treatment with Mercaptopurine or Thioguanine
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from kidney or liver disease
- If you are struggling with an ongoing infection
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is important to inform surgeons and dentists about any ongoing treatment with Mercaptopurine.
