Mercaptopurine (Monohydrate)

Mercaptopurine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic or lymphocytic leukemia. Mercaptopurine is sometimes given with other cancer medications. Mercaptopurine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Mercaptopurine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic or lymphocytic leukemia. Mercaptopurine is sometimes given with other cancer medications. Mercaptopurine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to mercaptopurine or thioguanine, or if you have ever used mercaptopurine or thioguanine and they were not effective in treating your condition. Mercaptopurine may cause a rare type of lymphoma (cancer) of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow that can be fatal. Talk with your doctor about your own risk. Using mercaptopurine may also increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease ; kidney disease; an inherited condition in which your body cannot produce enough of the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT); any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection ; or ulcerative colitis (treated with mesalamine , sulfasalazine , or similar medicines). Mercaptopurine may harm an unborn baby, especially when used during the first trimester. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant. You should not breastfeed while taking mercaptopurine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction : hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Mercaptopurine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; liver problems --loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upper stomach pain, swelling in your midsection, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or symptoms of lymphoma --fever, night sweats, tiredness, stomach bloating, feeling full, weight loss . Common side effects of mercaptopurine may include: low blood cell counts; bruising or bleeding; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; diarrhea; rash, changes in skin color; hair loss ; or general ill feeling. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

You should not use mercaptopurine if you have ever used mercaptopurine or thioguanine and they were not effective in treating your condition. Some people using mercaptopurine have developed a rare fast-growing type of lymphoma (cancer). This condition affects the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, and it can be fatal. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of lymphoma, such as: fever, night sweats, tiredness, stomach bloating, feeling full, easy bruising or bleeding, or weight loss.

You should not use mercaptopurine if you have ever used mercaptopurine or thioguanine and they were not effective in treating your condition. Some people using mercaptopurine have developed a rare fast-growing type of lymphoma (cancer). This condition affects the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, and it can be fatal. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of lymphoma, such as: fever, night sweats, tiredness, stomach bloating, feeling full, easy bruising or bleeding, or weight loss.

100 to 175 mg/sq.m (140 (137.5)) 24 hourly PO — maintenance 75 to 100 mg/sq.m (88 (87.5)) 24 hourly PO — Initial Scraped Dose — Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Use care when handling mercaptopurine tablets or oral suspension. mercaptopurine may be dangerous if it gets in your eyes or on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Seek medical attention if you have redness, itching, or swelling even after rinsing off the medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicine no longer needed. Mercaptopurine can increase your risk of bleeding, infection, or liver problems. You will need frequent medical tests. Your next dose may be delayed based on the results. Mercaptopurine can affect your kidneys. Drink plenty of liquids to keep your kidneys working properly. You may be given other medication to help prevent serious side effects on your kidneys. Keep using this medicine for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Store mercaptopurine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

Mercaptopurine can harm your liver, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, tuberculosis , depression , birth control, hormone replacement, high cholesterol , heart problems, high blood pressure , seizures, pain, or arthritis (including Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve). Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: allopurinol ; olsalazine , mesalazine, sulfasalazine or similar medicines; sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim ; or warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect mercaptopurine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products . Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Tab Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C.