(Mercaptopurine)
General English name: Mercaptopurine
Brand: Xaluprine
Application: Treatment of leukemia (leukemia)
Mercaptopurine Drug Information
Contraindications to the use of mercaptopurine
Mercaptopurine drug interaction
Tips to consider before taking mercaptopurine
Possible side effects of mercaptopurine
How to store mercaptopurine
Mercaptopurine Drug Information
Medication Information: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells in the bone marrow. Cancer cells in the bone marrow enter the bloodstream. Most types of leukemia are caused by white blood cells. There are several types of leukemia (leukemia) and their treatment varies. Mercaptopurine is a drug used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and AML.
In cancers such as leukemia, certain cells in the body grow and multiply rapidly. Anticancer drugs such as mercaptopurine inhibit the growth and proliferation of these cells. These drugs do this by affecting the genetic material inside the cells.
Contraindications to the use of mercaptopurine
Pay attention to the expiration date of the mercaptopurine drug and do not take it if the expired drug is out of date.
Never give mercaptopurine to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.
• Do not take more mercaptopurine than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Check for mercaptopurine drug interactions and be sure to tell your doctor what other medications you are taking.
Mercaptopurine drug interaction
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter and herbal medicines) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some medicines that may interact with mercaptopurine include febuxostat and medicines that weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection (other medicines that weaken the immune system or increase the risk of infection). (Such as rituximab, tofacitinib).
Mercaptopurine is very similar to azathioprine. Do not use azathioprine-containing medicines while using mercaptopurine.
Mercaptopurine may interfere with certain laboratory tests (such as uric acid levels) and may result in erroneous results. If you have used this medicine, tell your lab staff and doctors before testing.
Tips to consider before taking mercaptopurine
Some medications can not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed. Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking mercaptopurine:
- If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby in the future.
- If you are breast-feeding.
- If you are deficient in enzymes that remove the drug from your blood or you have a TPMT deficiency.
- If you have any liver or kidney problems.
- If you are currently taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
Possible side effects of mercaptopurine
All drugs, in addition to their positive effects, can cause unwanted side effects in the body. However, these complications do not occur in all people. Over time, your body will adjust to the new medication and these symptoms will go away, but if the following symptoms persist or become painful, consult your doctor.
Mercaptopurine reduces the number of white blood cells and increases the risk of various infections. To prevent infections, stay away from people who have the disease or tell your doctor if you have a sore throat or fever.
Fever, sore throat, infection: Tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Boredom, loss of appetite: Eat simple foods and avoid spicy and high-fat foods. Tell your doctor if these things bother you.
Sore throat: Consult your doctor.
Liver and blood problems: Your doctor will monitor these cases.
Tell your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you think may be due to mercaptopurine.
How to store mercaptopurine
• Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.