Mercaptopurine
Information about Mercaptopurine
Mercaptopurine uses
Mercaptopurine is used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, Testicular cancer., breast cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), blood cancer, lung cancer, bone cancer and urinary bladder cancer.
How mercaptopurine works
Mercaptopurine interferes with the growth of DNA and RNA of the cancer cells by substituting their building blocks. It prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
Common side effects of mercaptopurine
Nausea, Vomiting, Rash, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Intestinal ulcer, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Increased bilirubin in the blood, Low blood platelets, Increased transaminase level in blood, Diarrhoea, Loss of appetite
Available Medicine for Mercaptopurine
Expert advice for Mercaptopurine
- Do not drink milk or consume milk product while taking mercaptopurine.
- Do not consume alcohol or alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with mercaptopurine as it may worsen the side effects.
- Inform your doctor if you are suffering conditions like chickenpox, infections, and kidney or liver diseases.
- Inform doctors that you are taking mercaptopurine if you are planning to undergo surgery, including dental surgery.
- Stop taking mercaptopurine and inform your doctor if you see signs of infection, bleeding issues like blood spots in stools and skin.
- Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- Do not take if allergic to mercaptopurine or any of its ingredients.
- Do not take if patient Breastfeeding women.
Frequently asked questions for Mercaptopurine
Mercaptopurine
Q. Is Mercaptopurine a steroid?
No, Mercaptopurine is not a steroid
Q. Is Mercaptopurine safe?
Mercaptopurine is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor
Q. Does Mercaptopurine affect fertility?
Mercaptopurine may cause loss of fertility.