Sign inBefore 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
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Lanvis® Tablets, Aspen Europe GmbH, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2008.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.