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Mercaptopurine ( mur-kap-toe-PYUR-een ) (6-MP, Purinethol®, Purixan®) What is this medication used for? Mercaptopurine is used to treat acute leukemias
What does it look like? • Tablet • Liquid How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po) What are the common side effects? • Skin rash or skin color changes • Low blood counts (white or red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, or neutrophils) • Increased risk of an infection or bleeding • Changes to liver function tests What are the less common side effects? • Nausea and vomiting • Loss of appetite • Diarrhea
Special instructions: • Take the medicine at the same time each day. • Take a repeat dose of mercaptopurine only if vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of the first dose. • If vomiting occurs more than once after taking the medication, call your healthcare provider. • Blood tests will be done to check blood cell counts and liver function. • The dose may be changed if white blood cell counts are too high or too low. • This medication may be taken with or without food,. . It is most important to take the medication in the same way each day (always with food or always without food), as directed by your healthcare provider. • Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
• Mouth sores • Pancreatitis • Changes in liver function
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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