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Tioguanine

  • The exact dose will depend on what other treatment you are on.
  • You will need regular blood tests during therapy including blood cell counts and weekly liver function tests.
  • Speak to your doctor if you think you are getting an infection, such as a sore throat and fever (high temperature).

About tioguanine

Type of medicine Cytotoxic 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 kills 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 suffer from the inherited deficiency of the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase.

How to take tioguanine

  • The exact dose will depend on what other treatment you are on.
  • Follow your doctors instructions carefully.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • You will need regular blood tests during therapy including blood cell counts and weekly liver function tests.
  • 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 lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.

Can tioguanine 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
Inflammation of the mouth Your pharmacist may be able to recommend a mouth gel for pain relief.
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Drink plenty of liquid.
If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor.
Weight gain, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes See your doctor as soon as possible as s/he will need to check your liver function.

Tioguanine can lower the number of white cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. Speak to your doctor if you think you are getting an infection, such as a sore throat and fever (high temperature).

How to store tioguanine

  • 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 2007 DocID:
1503		 DocRef:
dils3744		 Last Updated:
22 Mar 2007		 Date of Next Review:
21 Mar 2009		 Version:
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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.

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