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Mercaptopurine (mer-kap-toe-PYOOR-een ) belongs to the group of medicines known as antimetabolites. It is used to treat some kinds of cancer. Mercaptopurine interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by Mercaptopurine, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used. Before you begin treatment with Mercaptopurine, you and your doctor should talk about the good Mercaptopurine will do as well as the risks of using it. Mercaptopurine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Mercaptopurine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Your doctor has ordered the drug Mercaptopurine to help treat your illness. The drug is taken by mouth in tablet form. Mercaptopurine is used to treat: leukemia Mercaptopurine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Mercaptopurine belongs to a group of drugs known as antimetabolites. It resembles a normal cell nutrient needed by cancer cells to grow. The cancer cells take up Mercaptopurine which then interferes with their growth. Brand names: - Mercaptopurine - Purinethol |