Generic name: mercaptopurine [ mer-KAP-toe-PURE-een ]
Brand names: Purixan, Purinethol
Dosage forms: oral suspension (100 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (50 mg)
Drug class:Antimetabolites
What is mercaptopurine?
Mercaptopurine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic or lymphocytic leukemia. Mercaptopurine is sometimes given with other cancer medications.
Mercaptopurine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use mercaptopurine if you have ever used mercaptopurine or thioguanine and they were not effective in treating your condition.
Some people using mercaptopurine have developed a rare fast-growing type of lymphoma (cancer). This condition affects the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, and it can be fatal.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of lymphoma, such as: fever, night sweats, tiredness, stomach bloating, feeling full, easy bruising or bleeding, or weight loss.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to mercaptopurine or thioguanine, or if you have ever used mercaptopurine or thioguanine and they were not effective in treating your condition.
Mercaptopurine may cause a rare type of lymphoma (cancer) of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow that can be fatal. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.
Using mercaptopurine may also increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
