Mercaptopurine
Brand names
Usage
To treat certain types of
leukemia.
How it works
Mercaptopurine kills cancer
cells by interfering with the
synthesis of their genetic
material, which prevents the
cells from reproducing. The medicament may also affect the
growth and development of
other kinds of cells in the
body, resulting in unpleasant
side effects.
Side effects
- Serious
- Black or tarry stools;
blood-tinged urine or stools;
cough
or hoarseness;
fever; chills; lower
back pain or
pain in
flanks; painful, difficult urination; small, red spots on the
skin; bleeding from gums,
nose, or other unusual places;
easy bruising; shortness of breath. Seek medical help
right away if any of these occur. Other serious side
effects include low white blood cell and platelet counts,
anemia, and liver damage.
- Common
- Among common side effects of mercaptopurine are
unusual fatigue, yellowish tinge to skin and eyes
(jaundice).
- Less common
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or bloating, mouth
sores, darkening of skin, diarrhea,
headaches, skin
rash
and itching, weakness.
Possible interactions
- Other medicaments:
Mercaptopurine may decrease the effects of:
- warfarin (Coumadin); the INR (prothrombin time or protime) should be
checked more frequently.
The following medicament may increase the effects of mercaptopurine:
- allopurinol (Zyloprim). Doses must be reduced to 33% or even as low as 25%
of the usual dose if these two medicines are to be combined.
Mercaptopurine taken concurrently with:
- amphotericin B (Abelcet) may increase risk of kidney toxicity or spasm of the bronchi.
- live-virus vaccines (such as smallpox) may lead to life-threatening infections.
- methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Mexate) can result in mercaptopurine toxicity.
- olsalazine (Dipentum) may increase risk of bone marrow depression.
- Herbal medicines or minerals:
- Echinacea: some patients use Echinacea to
attempt to boost their immune systems. Unfortunately, use of
Echinacea is not
recommended in people with damaged immune systems. This herb may
also actually weaken any immune system if it is used too often or for too
long a time.
- Alcohol:
- Avoid completely.
Comments
|
