Mercaptopurine Side Effects, Uses, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

- MERCAPTOPURINE (Generic for PURIXAN)
- QTY 100
- 20 MG/ML
- Oral Suspension
- Near The Woodlands, Texas 77381

MERCAPTOPURINE(mer kap toe PYOOR een) treats leukemia. It works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells.

MERCAPTOPURINE (Generic for PURIXAN) Information

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked oral syringe to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. You should always take it the same way. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
Handling this medication may be harmful. Wash your hands before and after touching the medication or the bottle. Wear gloves while touching the medication or bottle. Talk to your care team about how to handle this medication. Special instructions may apply. If the medication gets on your skin or in your eyes, rinse the area with water right away. If the medication gets on your clothes, remove and launder that clothing right away.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Azathioprine
-Febuxostat
-Live virus vaccines
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Allopurinol
-Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin
-Certain medications that treat ulcerative colitis, such as balsalazide, olsalazine, mesalamine, sulfasalazine
-Trimethoprim; sulfamethoxazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon in medications used to treat cancer. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 6 months after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 3 months after the last dose.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication or for 1 week after the last dose.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
-Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
-Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
-Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Diarrhea
-General discomfort and fatigue
-Loss of appetite
-Nausea
-Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication 8 weeks after opening the bottle or after it expires, whichever is first.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of it safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.