6 MP 50MG TAB

What is Mercaptopurine for:

This medication is an antimetabolite, prescribed for acute lymphatic leukemia either alone or with other medications. It works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How does Mercaptopurine work:

Mercaptopurine harms cancer cells causing their death. It lowers the bodys harmful response to diseases of the immune system.

How should Mercaptopurine be used:

Take this drug at the same time of day. Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Common side effects of Mercaptopurine :

Chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu. Loose stools (diarrhea). Not hungry. Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count. Change in color of skin. Mouth irritation or sores. Using a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing the mouth may help. Do not use mouth rinses that have alcohol in them. Harm to the liver may rarely happen.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What precautions should I take when taking Mercaptopurine :

If you have an allergy to mercaptopurine or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. If you are breast-feeding.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain. Trouble breathing. Chest pain or pressure. Very loose stools (diarrhea). Very bad belly pain. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Feeling very tired or weak. Very bad back pain. Very bad swelling or pain of hands or feet. Any bruising or bleeding. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Night sweats. A big weight gain. A big weight loss. Fever that does not go away. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Mercaptopurine with other medicines:

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store Mercaptopurine :

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category D : There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Cytotoxic Chemotherapy