Purinethol

This page contains drug information on Purinethol.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Purinethol
the possible side effects of Purinethol
what happens if you miss a dose of Purinethol
what happens if you overdose with Purinethol
the most important information about Purinethol
how to use Purinethol
other drugs that may affect Purinethol
what to avoid while using Purinethol
 
Generic Name: mercaptopurine (mer cap toe PUE reen)
Brand Names: Purinethol
 
What is the most important information I should know about purinethol?
 •  purinethol should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  Serious side effects have been reported with the use of purinethol including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives) decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue easy bruising or bleeding black, bloody or tarry stools fever or chills or signs of infection such as fever chills, or sore throat) liver problems such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, dark colored urine, or light colored stools severe nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with purinethol.

What is purinethol?
 •  purinethol is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. purinethol interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
 •  purinethol is used in the treatment of acute lymphatic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia.
 •  purinethol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking purinethol?
 •  Before taking purinethol, tell your doctor if you have
      · had recent vaccinations
      · liver problems
      · kidney problems
      · a bleeding or blood clotting disorder
      · bone marrow problems
      · any type of infection or
      · have previously been treated with thioguanine (Tabloid) for the current or a previous medical condition.
 •  You may not be able to take purinethol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  purinethol is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that purinethol is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take purinethol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with purinethol.
 •  It is unknown whether purinethol passes into breast milk. Do not take purinethol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I take purinethol?
 •  Take purinethol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  purinethol should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with purinethol depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
 •  purinethol is taken by mouth. Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  Your doctor may want you to have blood tests (e.g., liver function monitoring, blood counts) or other medical evaluations during treatment with purinethol to monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Store purinethol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of purinethol.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  If an overdose of purinethol is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
 •  Symptoms of a purinethol overdose may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, blood problems, and liver problems.

What should I avoid while taking purinethol?
 •  purinethol can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with purinethol. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

What are the possible side effects of purinethol?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
      · an allergic reaction (shortness of breath closing of the throat difficulty breathing swelling of the lips, face, or tongue or hives)
      · severe nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
      · liver problems such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, dark colored urine, or light colored stools or
      · decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue easy bruising or bleeding black, bloody or tarry stools fever or chills or signs of infection such as fever chills, or sore throat).
 •  Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience
      · mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
      · mouth sores or
      · skin rash or discoloration.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect purinethol?
 •  Before taking purinethol, tell your doctor if you are taking allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim, Lopurin). A dosage adjustment may be required if these medicines are taken together.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with purinethol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with purinethol.