Brand name Puri-Nethol
Used in the following combined preparations None
General Information
Mercaptopurine, an anticancer drug, is widely used to prevent the recurrence of certain forms of leukaemia. Used with other anticancer drugs, mercaptopurine is also given to leukaemia victims who have not responded to other treatments.
Nausea and vomiting, mouth ulcers, and loss of appetite are the drug’s most common side effects. Such symptoms tend to be milder than those of other cytotoxic drugs, and often disappear as the body adjusts to the drug. More seriously, mercaptopurine can interfere with blood cell production, resulting in blood clotting disorders and anaemia, and can also cause liver damage. The likelihood of infections is also increased.
Quick Reference
Drug group Anticancer drug.
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
Information for Users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets.
Frequency and timing of doses
Once daily. Dosage range
Dosage is determined individually according to body weight and response.
Onset of effect
1-2 weeks.
Duration of action
Side effects may persist for several weeks after stopping treatment.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Protect from light.
Missed dose
If your next dose is due within 6 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next. Tell your doctor that you missed a dose.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor; stopping the drug may lead to worsening of your underlying condition.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may cause nausea and vomiting. Notify your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects
The most common adverse effects are nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite. Jaundice may also occur, but is reversible on stopping the drug. Because mercaptopurine interferes
with the production of blood cells, it may cause anaemia and blood clotting disorders, and infections are more likely.
Interactions
Allopurinol
This drug increases blood levels of mercaptopurine.
Warfarin
The effects of warfarin may be decreased by mercaptopurine.
Special Precautions
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You suffer from gout.
You have recently had any infection.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
Not advised. The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby adversely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
Reduced dose may be necessary. Increased risk of adverse effects.
Driving and hazardous work
No known problems.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the adverse effects of this drug.
Prolonged Use
Prolonged use of this drug may reduce bone marrow activity, leading to a reduction of all types of blood cells.
Monitoring
Regular blood checks and tests on liver function are required.
