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Purinethol
(mercaptopurine)-
In this factsheet:
- How does Purinethol work? What will it do for me?
- How should I use Purinethol?
- What form(s) does Purinethol come in?
- Who should NOT take Purinethol?
- What side effects are possible with Purinethol?
- Are there any other precautions or warnings for Purinethol?
- What other drugs could interact with Purinethol?
DIN (Drug Identification Number)
| 00004723 | PURINETHOL 50MG TABLET |
How does Purinethol work? What will it do for me?
Mercaptopurine belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medicines known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as antimetabolites. Mercaptopurine fights cancer by preventing the growth of cancer cells, which eventually results in their destruction. Mercaptopurine is usually used to treat leukemia. Sometimes mercaptopurine is used along with other cancer medications.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
How should I use Purinethol?
The recommended dose of mercaptopurine varies according to the specific disease being treated, the response to therapy, the other medications used, the stage of the disease, and the person's body size or weight. A typical starting dose for adults is between 100 mg and 200 mg daily, while an average 5-year-old child could typically start on a dose of 50 mg daily. The appropriate dose of mercaptopurine is usually taken by mouth as a single dose on a daily basis.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that you take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you vomit shortly after taking the medicine, contact your doctor for instruction on whether to take more medication or not. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids while taking this medication in order to help you pass more fluid and protect your kidneys.
As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, mercaptopurine can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as mouth sores. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section, "What side effects are possible with this medication?"
Store this medication at room temperature, and protect it from excessive heat, direct light, and moisture.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does Purinethol come in?
Each pale yellow to buff, scored tablet, imprinted with "PURINETHOL" and "O4A", contains mercaptopurine 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, lactose, magnesium stearate, potato starch and stearic acid.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.Who should NOT take Purinethol?
Mercaptopurine should not be taken by anyone who:
- is sensitive or allergic to mercaptopurine or any of the ingredients of the medication
- has been resistant to the effects of mercaptopurine or thioguanine in the past
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