Common use

Purinethol is used in combination with other medicines as maintenance treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It belongs to the group of medicines known as antimetabolites. Purinethol (Mercaptopurine) interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed.

Dosage and direction

Use Purinethol (mercaptopurine tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Take Purinethol at the same time of day. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to take Purinethol with regard to food. Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor. The recommended starting dosage of Purinethol is 1.5mg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg orally once daily as part of combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen.

Precautions

Very bad and sometimes life-threatening blood and bone marrow problems like anemia, low platelet counts, or low white blood cell counts have happened with Purinethol (mercaptopurine tablets). Change in dose or even stopping the drug may be needed if any of these side effects happen. Talk with the doctor.
You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.

Contraindications

If you have an allergy to mercaptopurine or any other part of Purinethol (mercaptopurine tablets); If you are allergic to Purinethol (mercaptopurine tablets); any part of Purinethol (mercaptopurine tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances, tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had; If you have taken Purinethol (mercaptopurine tablets) or a drug called thioguanine before and your cancer did not respond; If you are taking allopurinol; If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby or loss of the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking Purinethol (mercaptopurine tablets). If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking Purinethol (mercaptopurine tablets), call your doctor right away.

Possible side effect

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Diarrhea; Not hungry; Upset stomach or throwing up; Feeling tired or weak. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Purinethol (mercaptopurine tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Missed dose

If you misses a dose, call your doctor to find out what to do.

Overdose

If you think there has been an overdose, get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Protect from heat. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.