Examples
Mercaptopurine is available as a pill you can swallow. It is
sometimes called 6-mercaptopurine, or 6-MP.
How It Works
Mercaptopurine stops cells from growing and dividing.
How Well It Works
Mercaptopurine works well against some ALL, CML, and a type of
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma called lymphoblastic lymphoma.1
It sometimes works well in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's
disease, and ulcerative colitis that has not responded to other drugs.
Side Effects
Side effects of mercaptopurine are common and may include:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Loss of
appetite.
- Mouth sores.
- Changes in the way things
taste.
- Diarrhea.
- Changes in liver function.
- Rash, which may itch.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Mercaptopurine is usually used only under the supervision of a
medical oncologist or
hematologist. It may also be used by a
gastroenterologist to treat inflammatory bowel
disease.
Mercaptopurine may increase the blood-thinning effects of other
drugs, such as warfarin (for example, Coumadin).
You may not be able to become pregnant or father a child after
taking mercaptopurine. Talk about this with your doctor before starting
treatment.
Mercaptopurine can cause birth defects. Do not use this drug if you
are pregnant or wish to become pregnant or to father a child while you are taking
it.
Women who take this drug may experience symptoms of menopause,
including hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Do not use alcohol or illegal drugs while you are taking this
drug.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Itakura H, Coutre SE (2009). Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults. In JP Greer et al., eds., Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology, 12th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1821–1842. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology |
|---|
| Last Revised | December 17, 2010 |
|---|
Itakura H, Coutre SE (2009). Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults. In JP Greer et al., eds., Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology, 12th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1821–1842. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.