Mercaptopurine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Mercaptopurine?

What is mercaptopurine for?

Mercaptopurine is a drug used to treat certain types of cancer, such as acute lymphocytic leukemia. Acute lymphocytic leukemia itself is a type of cancer that attacks the blood and bone marrow. This disease can develop very quickly and suddenly. If treated late, this disease can be fatal.

Mercaptopurine belongs to a class of cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs, especially purine antagonists. This chemotherapy drug works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body. Doctors may prescribe this drug with other types of cancer drugs to optimize the patient's treatment.

Your doctor may be able to use the drug Mercaptopurine for other purposes not mentioned in this article. Please consult a doctor for more information.

How is mercaptopurine used?

Mercaptopurine is a strong drug whose use must be closely monitored by a doctor. No wonder this drug is not sold freely in pharmacies and drug stores.

This medicine must be taken on an empty stomach, aka before eating. If you are using a suspension solution, shake the bottle for at least 30 seconds before measuring each dose. This is done to make sure the drugs are well mixed

Do not use a regular tablespoon because the dosage of the drug can be different. To make sure you get the right dose, try to use a special spoon or glass that is usually available in the medicine package. Once opened, the suspension vial should be used within 6 weeks.

Meanwhile, in tablet form, swallow the drug whole with the help of plain water. . Avoid crushing, crushing, or grinding the drugs as these can trigger side effects and decrease their effectiveness.

Dosage is based on body weight, medical condition and patient response to treatment. This means that each person is very likely to get a different dose. Do not give this medicine to other people even if they complain of symptoms similar to yours.

Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than prescribed. Instead of getting better quickly, your condition may get worse.

So that you get the maximum benefit, use the medicine regularly at the same time every day. Set an alarm on your phone or make notes in a special book to make it easier for you to remember.

This medicine may increase the risk of bleeding, infection, and impaired liver function. That is why, you may be asked by your doctor to check your health regularly.

While using this drug, you are also advised to drink more water. Adequate fluid intake can help the kidneys to work optimally.

In principle, take any type of medication in accordance with the doctor's rules or the recommendations listed on the product packaging label. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist directly if you don't really understand how to use it.

Finally, seek medical attention immediately if your condition does not improve or gets worse. The sooner it is treated, the better.

How is mercaptopurine stored?

The drug mercaptopurine is best stored at room temperature. Keep away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Mercaptopurine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of mercaptopurine for adults?

Each person will probably get a different dose. This is because the dosage is usually adjusted according to the patient's age, body weight, overall health condition, and their response to treatment.

But in general, the standard dose for treating acute lymphostic leukemia in adults is 2.5 mg / kg body weight per day (100 to 200 mg in the adult average).

Be sure to always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any type of medication. This is to ensure that you are taking the drug according to the recommended dosage.

In addition, use any medication according to the recommended dosage. Do not attempt to increase or decrease the dose without first consulting your doctor.

What is the dose of mercaptopurine for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of mercaptopurine for children. The dosage of drugs for children is usually adjusted according to their weight, health condition, and their response to treatment.

This drug can be dangerous for children if used improperly. Therefore, consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is mercaptopurine available?

This drug is available in liquid and tablet suspension form.

Mercaptopurine side effects

What are the side effects of the drug mercaptopurine?

The most common side effects that people complain about after using this medicine include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Bloated
• Stomach ache
• The body feels weak and weak
• Mild skin rash
• Decreased appetite

Severe allergic reactions due to use of this drug are very rare. However, if you experience one of the signs of an allergy below, you should see a doctor immediately:

• Itchy rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

You should also stop medication immediately and seek the closest medical help if you experience serious side effects which include:

• Severe chest pain
• Shallow and chasing breath
• Hard to breathe
• Swelling of the face, mouth and throat
• Skin discoloration
• Weak muscles
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Urinating frequently
• The body smells like fruit
• Bleeding cough
• Mood changes significantly
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Decreased sexual desire

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Mercaptopurine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using mercaptopurine?

Some things you need to know and do before using mercaptopurine are:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have an allergy to mercaptopurine or other types of cancer drugs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for the constituent list of this drug before you use it.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you are taking or will be taking regularly. Whether it's prescription, non-prescription drugs, to natural remedies made from herbal ingredients.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have or have been infected with certain viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have or have had a history of stroke or blood clotting disorders.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have or have had a history of liver and kidney disease.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have or have had a history of chronic digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

While using this drug, your doctor will ask you to undergo regular medical tests. This is done to see how your body responds to the treatment. If necessary, your doctor may change the dose or change the drug that is more suitable for your condition. Keep using the drug even though the doctor changes the dose or drug several times.

In addition, see a doctor immediately if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

Is mercaptopurine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = Maybe risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Meanwhile, for breastfeeding mothers, there is no clear evidence whether this drug harms the baby or not. To avoid various negative possibilities, do not take this medicine carelessly or without the doctor's permission.

Mercaptopurine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with mercaptopurine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

A number of drugs that have the potential to cause negative interactions with this drug include:

• Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra, SMZ-TMP and SMZ-TMP)
• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• Medicines that weaken the immune system, such as cancer drugs, steroids, and drugs to prevent transplant organ rejection.

Can food or alcohol interact with mercaptopurine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or around meals at certain foods or foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with mercaptopurine?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Anemia
• Blood or bone marrow problems
• Intestinal problems (eg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Gout
• Leukopenia (low white blood cells)
• Liver disease
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelets in the blood)
• Certain infections, because these drugs can decrease your body's ability to fight infection
• Kidney illness

Mercaptopurine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

When someone has an overdose, various symptoms that may arise are:

• Too low blood pressure (hypotension) which makes the head dizzy
• Fainting
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Slower than normal heart rate

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.