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Mercaptopurine
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About mercaptopurine
| Type of medicine | Cytotoxic antimetabolite |
| Used for | To treat leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells) To treat inflammatory bowel disease (inflammation of the intestines) |
| Also called | Puri-Nethol |
| Available as | Tablets Capsules Oral suspension (specialist use only) |
Mercaptopurine works by stopping cancer cells from multiplying.
Before taking mercaptopurine
Before taking mercaptopurine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have suffered a hypersensitivity reaction to mercaptopurine.
- If you have an inherited deficiency of an enzyme called thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT).
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you take clozapine (an antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia).
How to take mercaptopurine
- Mercaptopurine is prescribed by a hospital specialist.
- The dose will be worked out according to your weight.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your appointments as you will need regular blood tests to check how your body is responding to the treatment.
- Speak to your doctor if you are planning any holidays so that s/he can check that any vaccinations you need are safe with mercaptopurine.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are unwell due to infections.
- Avoid getting pregnant while taking mercaptopurine- speak to your doctor or pharmacist about contraception.
Can mercaptopurine cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick | Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. Drink plenty of liquid. |
| Mouth ulcers | Your pharmacist may be able to recommend a gel to ease the pain. |
| Rash | Your pharmacist may be able to recommend a cream to soothe the area. |
How to store mercaptopurine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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| © EMIS 2006 | DocID: 1077 |
DocRef: dils2355 |
Last Updated: 30 Oct 2006 |
Date of Next Review: 29 Oct 2008 |
Version: 22 |
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