Drug Name

Purinethol (Mercaptopurine)

Drug Uses

Purinethol is used to treat leukemia. It is as well as used for pediatric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, polycythemia vera, as well as psoriatic arthritis. This medication may as well as be used for inflammatory bowel disease.

How Taken

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 incase you vomit shortly after using your dose.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Mercaptopurine belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medicines known as antineoplastics, as well as 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.

Missed Dose

Take the dose as soon as remembered but incase it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose as well as resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight as well as moisture.

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor your health examination history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, any infections, previous anti-cancer treatment, blood disorders, recent exposure to chickenpox, any allergies you may possess. This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor incase you develop any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or chills. Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without earliest washing your hands. Take caution with knifelike objects similar safety razors or nail cutters as well as avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting incision, bruised or injured. Do not possess immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor as well as avoid contact with people who possess 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 take in men as well as women while using this medication. This medication is not recommended for take during pregnancy. Consult your doctor. It is not known incase this drug passes into breast milk. Because this is a powerful drug as well as may affect a nursing infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Likely Side Effects

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, weakness, skin rash, darkening of the skin, or hair loss may occur. Incase any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately incase any of these humorless side effects occur: mouth sores, fever, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, pinpoint red spots on the skin, yellowing of eyes or skin, not light urine, painful or difficult urination. Tell your doctor immediately incase any of these unlikely but humorless side effects occur: not light or tarry stools, blood in urine or stool. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate health examination attention incase it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Incase you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist

More Information

Normal doctor visits are substantial. Keep all health examination appointments. Blood tests will be done to monitor your progress.