Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: mercaptopurine, oral; 6-MP; 6-mercaptopurine; Purinethol
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat certain types of leukemia. It may be used with other drugs taken by mouth or given by injection.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine is very strong. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take it exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more of it or take it longer than directed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. If your treatment includes injections, keep all your appointments.
If you are also taking other medicines by mouth for your condition, be sure to follow those directions carefully. If you do not understand how or when to take your medicine(s), ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.
Drink 8 to 12 full glasses of liquid per day while being treated with this medicine.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, unusual bleeding or bruising, fever.
This medicine may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. The risk may be greater if you have inflammatory bowel disease. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.
Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin while receiving this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your healthcare provider.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever, sore throat, severe nausea or vomiting, unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in urine or stools, yellowish skin or eyes, unusual tiredness, abdominal pain, joint pain or swelling, severe confusion.
Other: Diarrhea, rash, loss of appetite, sore mouth, hair loss, darkening of the skin.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking or receiving by injection.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
