Related to this topic: Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Mercaptopurine

  • 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.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1077		 DocRef:
dils2355		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
22
















Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site









Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page