Safely Buy Purinethol ( Mercaptopurine ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Mercaptopurine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic or lymphocytic leukemia but is sometimes given with other cancer medications.

Mercaptopurine may be used for purposes not listed here.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking mercaptopurine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so may help decrease the risk of certain side effects (kidney problems).

If you are using the suspension, shake the bottle well for at least 30 seconds before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using the provided special measuring device. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Avoid getting any of the suspension on your skin or in your eyes. If contact occurs, wash the affected skin area or rinse your eyes with water. Consult your pharmacist for details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious side effects include:

• Low blood cell counts–fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, or feeling light-headed or short of breath
• Liver problems–loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upper stomach pain, swelling in your midsection, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Symptoms of lymphoma–fever, night sweats, tiredness, stomach bloating, feeling full, or weight loss

Common side effects of mercaptopurine may include:

• Low blood cell counts
• Bruising or bleeding
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Rash or changes in skin color
• Hair loss
• General ill feeling

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

• Before taking mercaptopurine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to azathioprine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, and certain enzyme disorders (TPMT deficiency, NUDT15 deficiency).
• Tell your healthcare professional that you are using mercaptopurine before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
• To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
• This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using mercaptopurine. Mercaptopurine may harm an unborn baby, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Your doctor should do a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Women of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 months after the last dose. If you or your partner become pregnant or think you are pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
• It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Purinethol is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Purinethol Tablet:
  • 50 mg
• Mercaptopurine Tablet:
  • 50 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Early symptoms of an overdose may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Later symptoms may include fever or flu-like symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking mercaptopurine?

Do not receive a “live” vaccine while using mercaptopurine. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Resources:

1. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bfb03539-907f-4424-9c88-6a03ed9467e6
2. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/mercaptopurine.html
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1370/purinethol-oral/details