Mercaptopurine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: mercaptopurine, oral; 6-MP; 6-mercaptopurine; Purinethol

What is this medicine used for?

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.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your health care provider if you have gout, kidney problems, or liver disease.

Females of childbearing age: This medicine is usually not given during pregnancy because it can harm the baby. Do not become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.

How do I take it?

This medicine is very potent. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. Do not take more of it or take it longer than directed by your health care provider. 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 health care 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 health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

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 health care 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 health care provider's approval first.

What are the possible side effects?

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 health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, bruising, bleeding, yellowish skin or eyes, signs of infection, abdominal pain, joint pain.

Other: Diarrhea, skin rash, sore mouth (rare).

What products might interact with this medicine?

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 health care provider if you are taking:

• allopurinol (Zyloprim, Lopurin)
• doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
• live vaccines such as polio and rotavirus
• mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa)
• methotrexate (Folex)
• olsalazine (Dipentum)
• sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
• thioguanine
• warfarin (Coumadin).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking or receiving by injection.

How should I store this medicine?

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 health care 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.