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Mercaptopurine

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Mercaptopurine is mostly used to treat acute leukaemias.
Occasionally, mercaptopurine is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease
Your dose will be worked out according to your weight.
Regular blood tests are a part of treatment with mercaptopurine.
You should not take mercaptopurine if you take clozapine.

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

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
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. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

DocID:
1077

DocRef:
dils2355

Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006

Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008

Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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