About tioguanine
| Type of medicine |
Antimetabolite |
| Used for |
Leukaemia (blood cancer) |
| Also called |
Lanvis® |
| Available as |
Tablets |
Cancers form when some cells within the body multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. These cells then spread and destroy nearby tissues. Tioguanine works by preventing the growth and dividing of cancer cells.
Before taking tioguanine
Before taking tioguanine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
- If you know you have a deficiency of the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take tioguanine
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
- You will be prescribed tioguanine by a specialist doctor experienced in treating blood problems.
- Follow the instructions you have been given and take tioguanine exactly as your doctor has told you. Your dose will depend on what other treatment you are on.
- Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If you need to touch any broken tablets, wash your hands well afterwards.
- If you forget to take a dose, contact your doctor or clinic for advice.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
- You will need to have regular blood tests during this treatment including blood cell counts and weekly liver function tests.
- It is important that you do not become pregnant or father a child while you are taking tioguanine. If this affects you, make sure you use effective contraception.
- While you are taking tioguanine, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor first. Tioguanine will lower your body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.
- If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking tioguanine.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can tioguanine cause problems?
Your doctor will have discussed with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects of treatment with tioguanine. Let your doctor know if you experience any of the following:
| Common side-effects |
What can I do if I experience this |
| Inflammation of the mouth |
Avoid citrus fruit/drink and take extra care while brushing teeth |
| Feeling or being sick |
Eat little and often. Stick to simple or bland foods |
| Jaundice, unexplained bruising or bleeding, infections |
It is important that you let your doctor know about these straight away |
How to store tioguanine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
- Do not keep any unwanted tablets. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
Important information about all medicines
- Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
- This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
- If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
|
Print