Purinethol

Common Name: mercaptopurine

How does Purinethol work?

Mercaptopurine belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medicines known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as antimetabolites. Mercaptopurine fights cancer by preventing the growth of cancer cells, which eventually results in their destruction. Mercaptopurine is usually used to treat leukemia. Sometimes mercaptopurine is used along with other cancer medications. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Purinethol?

The recommended dose of mercaptopurine varies according to the specific disease being treated, the response to therapy, the other medications used, the stage of the disease, and the person's body size and/or weight. A typical starting dose for adults is between 100 mg and 200 mg daily, while an average five-year-old child could typically start on a dose of 50 mg daily. The appropriate dose of mercaptopurine is usually taken by mouth as a single dose on a daily basis. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without talking to your doctor. It is important that you take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you vomit shortly after taking the medicine, contact your doctor for instruction on whether to take more medication or not. If you miss a dose of this medication, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double-up on doses. Your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids while taking this medication in order to help you pass more fluid and protect your kidneys. As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, mercaptopurine can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as mouth sores. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section "What side effects are possible with this medication?" Mercaptopurine tablets should be stored at room temperature, protected from excessive heat, direct light, and moisture.

What form(s) does Purinethol come in?

Mercaptopurine is available in tablets containing 50 mg mercaptopurine. Nonmedicinal ingredients include cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, potato starch, and stearic acid. This product does not contain yeast.

What should I NOT take with Purinethol?

Mercaptopurine should not be used by: anyone sensitive or allergic to mercaptopurine or any of the ingredients anyone who has been resistant to the effects of mercaptopurine or thioguanine in the past

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Purinethol?

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, this medication can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people with contagious infections and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills. Blood clotting: This medication can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding. Gout: This medication increases the blood levels of uric acid, which may increase the risk of gout. Pregnancy: There is a possibility of birth defect if either the male or female is using mercaptopurine at the time of conception, or if it is taken during pregnancy. It may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be practiced while using this medication. Tell the doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this drug. It should only be used during pregnancy if potential benefits clearly outweigh risks. Breast-feeding: Mercaptopurine is excreted in breast milk. Because of the risks associated with this drug, a decision should be made to cease breast-feeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother.