Purinethol
Mercaptopurine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Purinethol
Purinethol belongs to the group of cancer fighting medicines (cancer chemotherapy agents) known as anti-neoplastics, known as anti-metabolites. Purinethol acts against cancer cells by preventing them to grow which eventually results in destruction of these cancer cells.
Therapeutic Uses of Purinethol
Purinethol is used mainly in treatment of leukemia (blood cancer). It is also used in children for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, polycythemia vera, and psoriatic arthritis. This medication may also be used for inflammatory bowel disease and other medical conditions as your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Purinethol
Take Purinethol as your doctor tells you and it should be taken in correct dose, because it is very potent medicine and potentially toxic. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration during treatment with Purinethol, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. If you get vomiting after taking Purinethol, consult your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Purinethol
If you miss a dose of Purinethol, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses for catching up with the missed dose as this medicine is potent and potentially toxic.
How to Store Purinethol
Purinethol should be stored at room temperature. Store it away from heat, moisture and direct light in a tightly closed container. Be careful to keep Purinethol out of reach of children.
More Information About Purinethol
Regular visits to your doctor are important. Keep all medical appointments. Blood tests will be done to monitor your progress during treatment with Purinethol. It should be taken by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share Purinethol with others. If you have any questions about Purinethol ask your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Purinethol
- Inform your doctor about your past medical history; especially of if you suffered from kidney disease, liver disease, any serious infection, previous anti-cancer treatment, blood disorder, recent chickenpox infection or if you are allergic to any substance including Purinethol.
- Purinethol can lower immunity (ability of your body to fight an infection). Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash or chills. You should not touch your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Avoid contact with persons with infection like cold.
- You should be very careful with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured (as your immunity may be low).
- Do not get immunized or vaccinated without asking your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or other live vaccines, as live vaccines may cause disease due to lower immunity.
- Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the possibility of developing stomach (GI tract) irritation or liver damage during treatment with Purinethol.
- Contraceptive or birth control measures are strongly recommended for use in men and women while taking Purinethol.
- Purinethol is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it may cause fetal abnormalities. Consult your doctor if you become pregnant.
- It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Because this is a powerful drug and may affect a nursing infant, you should not breast feed your baby during treatment with Purinethol. Consult your doctor before breast feeding if you have to.
Possible Adverse Effects of Purinethol
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain or abdominal pain, weakness, skin rash, darkening of the skin, or hair loss (alopecia) may occur commonly and are less serious side effects of Purinethol. If any of these side effects persist or become bothersome, notify your doctor or other health care provider promptly.
- Inform your doctor immediately if any of the serious side effects occur. The serious side effects of Purinethol are mouth sores, fever, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, pinpoint red spots on the skin, yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice), dark urine, painful or difficult urination etc.
- Inform your doctor immediately if any of the less common but serious side effects like black or tarry stools, blood in urine or stool occurs.
- An allergic reaction to Purinethol is unlikely, but you should get immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing, weakness etc.
- If you experience any other side effect that is not listed above, contact your doctor or other health care provider immediately.