MERCAPTOPURINE – ORAL (mer-CAP-toe-pure-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Purinethol
USES: Mercaptopurine is used to treat leukemia. It is also used for pediatric non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, polycythemia vera, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriatic arthritis.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: This is a potent medication. Take it exactly as prescribed. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Contact your doctor if you vomit shortly after taking your dose.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, headache, skin rash, weakness, darkening of skin and symptoms of jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin, clay-colored stools, dark urine) are uncommon side effects. If they persist or get worse, contact your doctor. Contact your doctor without delay if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, painful or difficult urination, lower back or side pain, swollen feet or lower legs, easy bruising or bleeding, black or tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, pinpoint red spots on the skin, sores in mouth or on lips, joint pain, nausea and vomiting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, any infections, previous anti-cancer treatment, blood disorders, recent exposure to chickenpox, any allergies you may have. This medication can lower your body’s ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or chills. Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Drinking alcohol may increase the possibility of developing stomach (GI tract) irritation or liver damage. Contraceptive (birth control) measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking this medication. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Because this is a powerful drug and may affect a nursing infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: allopurinol. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and weakness.
NOTES: Regular doctor visits are important. Keep all medical appointments. Blood tests will be done to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: Take the dose as soon as remembered but if it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
