Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Purinethol

Generic Name: mercaptopurine (Pronunciation: mer kap toe PYOOR een)

• What is mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?
• What are the possible side effects of mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?
• What is the most important information I should know about mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?
• How should I take mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Purinethol)?
• What happens if I overdose (Purinethol)?
• What should I avoid while taking mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?
• What other drugs will affect mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?

Mercaptopurine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Mercaptopurine is used to treat acute lymphatic leukemia or acute myelogenous leukemia. Mercaptopurine is usually given together with other cancer medications.

Mercaptopurine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Mercaptopurine 50 mg-ROX

round, yellow, imprinted with 54 420

Mercaptopurine 50 mg-TEV

round, yellow, imprinted with 5510, 9 3

Purinethol 50 mg

round, white, imprinted with PURINETHOL 04A

What are the possible side effects of mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using mercaptopurine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, weakness, muscle pain, flu symptoms;
• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, fast heart rate;
• stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

Continue taking mercaptopurine and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• mild upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• hair loss;
• skin rash; or
• changes in skin color.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?

Before taking mercaptopurine, tell your doctor if you are allgergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney or liver disease, or any type of infection.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, mouth sores, dark urine, severe stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Mercaptopurine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.