Thioguanine
Generic name: thioguanine [ THYE-oh-GWA-neen ]
Brand name: Tabloid
Dosage form: oral tablet (40 mg)
Drug class:Antimetabolites
What is thioguanine?
Thioguanine is used to treat acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (a type of blood cancer), sometimes in combination with other cancer medicines.
Thioguanine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use thioguanine if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever used thioguanine or mercaptopurine and they were not effective in treating your condition.
Tell your doctor if you've ever had liver problems.
Thioguanine may be more effective in younger people than in older people. How well you respond to thioguanine may also depend on whether you've had prior treatments for leukemia.
Thioguanine may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while taking thioguanine.
How should I take thioguanine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You must remain under the care of a doctor while taking thioguanine.
You may be given other medications to help prevent certain side effects. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Thioguanine can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent blood tests, and your next dose may be delayed based on the results.
Thioguanine can also cause liver damage. You may need weekly or monthly blood tests to check your liver function.
Store at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of thioguanine.
