Mercaptopurine

Ulcerative Colitis, Hepatitis, Autoimmune, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia + 3 more

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Mercaptopurine

What is Mercaptopurine

Mercaptopurine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Mercaptopurine is a medication used to treat leukemia. It works by blocking the growth of cancer cells, and can also suppress the immune system. Mercaptopurine slows down the production of certain molecules needed for cancer cell growth and is usually taken in combination with other drugs.

Mercaptopurine

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Mercaptopurine Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Mercaptopurine

Mercaptopurine

2004

12

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Mercaptopurine, otherwise known as Mercaptopurine, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia .

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Used to treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in combination with null

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Used to treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in combination with null

Effectiveness

How Mercaptopurine Affects Patients

Mercaptopurine is a drug used to treat leukemias. It is a type of purine, which is a building block of DNA, and works by interfering with the body's ability to produce DNA. It isn't clear exactly how it works to kill cancer cells, but it has been found to be effective.

How Mercaptopurine works in the body

Mercaptopurine works by blocking the action of an enzyme called HGPRTase. It does this by competing with hypoxanthine and guanine for the enzyme. Mercaptopurine is then changed into a compound called TIMP, which blocks several reactions involving inosinic acid. The TIMP is then changed into another compound called MTIMP, which blocks an enzyme that is the first step in purine ribonucleotide production. Mercaptopurine can also be changed into nucleotide derivatives of 6-thioguanine through processes involving IMP dehydrogenase and XMP aminase. These derivatives

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended dosage of Mercaptopurine is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Crohn's Disease, Autoimmune Hepatitis and Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Suspension or Tablet - Oral) detailed in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Lymphoma

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Crohn's Disease

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Hepatitis, Autoimmune

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Ulcerative Colitis

50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg

Tablet, Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Suspension - Oral, Suspension

Warnings

Mercaptopurine has one contraindication, so should not be used in conjunction with any of the conditions outlined in the following table.

Mercaptopurine Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

prior drug resistance

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Mercaptopurine.

Common Mercaptopurine Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

2-Methoxyethanol

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mercaptopurine is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.

9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mercaptopurine is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.

Abatacept

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mercaptopurine is combined with Abatacept.

Abetimus

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mercaptopurine is combined with Abetimus.

Acteoside

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mercaptopurine is combined with Acteoside.

Mercaptopurine Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Overdosing on mercaptopurine can cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased bone marrow activity, liver problems, and gastrointestinal issues. The lowest toxic dose has been found to be 480mg/kg in mice and 425mg/kg in rats.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Mercaptopurine Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Mercaptopurine?

289 active clinical trials are presently assessing the potential of Mercaptopurine to manage Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, Lymphoma and Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Lymphoma

21 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

120 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 4

Ulcerative Colitis

14 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

0 Actively Recruiting

Hepatitis, Autoimmune

0 Actively Recruiting

Crohn's Disease

54 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1

Mercaptopurine Reviews: What are patients saying about Mercaptopurine?

5

Patient Review

2/1/2014

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I was diagnosed with Crohn's 3 months ago and put on Prednisone 5mg and Mercaptopurine 6-mp 50mg. I've since gone off the Prednisone, but my doctor increased the Mercaptopurine from one tablet to 1 1/2 a day. Since then, I've noticed an increase in weight gain and some joint pain in my fingers. Has anyone else experienced these side effects from taking Mercaptopurine?

5

Patient Review

8/14/2017

Mercaptopurine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

I've been using this treatment for seven years with excellent results. I was initially hesitant to try it because of the potential side effects, but so far I haven't experienced any problems. It's definitely improved my quality of life and I would recommend it to others in a similar situation.

5

Patient Review

2/27/2015

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I've been on this medication for nearly 30 years now, and it's been a godsend. I haven't experienced any negative side effects that are worth mentioning, and Crohn's hasn't been an issue for me since starting the treatment.

5

Patient Review

10/21/2013

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

This medication has been a life-saver for me. It's kept me out of the hospital and in remission for thirteen years, even during flare-ups.

5

Patient Review

8/11/2013

Mercaptopurine for Type of Leukemia - Acute Myeloid Leukemia

This treatment is effective.

5

Patient Review

4/1/2020

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I've been taking this medication for 20 years now, ever since I had to get three bowel resections for Crohn's. This has worked great without any of the nasty side effects that prednisone caused.

4.7

Patient Review

10/25/2014

Mercaptopurine for Ulcerated Colon

I was diagnosed with UC in 92 and Asacol has been my go-to treatment since then. 2 years ago, it became less effective so I started using Prednisone as well. However, the side effects were unbearable; I couldn't even do daily living functions. Then I started 6mp with Asacol which got me functioning again. Although I am tired and have to drink lots of water every day, I am living and not worrying about where the nearest toilet is. Now on this treatment for 7 months, I am worried but still taking things one day at a time.

4

Patient Review

5/15/2015

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

As an 66 year old woman who has had to get 7 bowel resections, I really loved Remacade. However, I can't take it anymore because it's no longer effective for me. 6MP makes me depressed and tired, so that's not an option either.

3.7

Patient Review

4/23/2015

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

After two weeks of use, I started to experience a choking sensation in my chest and throat. Additionally, I experienced pain in my chest and breast area, as well as muscle cramps and weakness. However, the Crohn's disease symptoms got better. I'm not sure if I should keep taking it.

3.3

Patient Review

3/11/2013

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I sometimes feel nauseous after taking this medication. Is this a common side effect?

2.7

Patient Review

9/22/2016

Mercaptopurine for Ulcerated Colon

My kidneys failed after just two months of using this treatment. I spent a fortnight in the hospital as a result. Five years later, my kidneys have recovered completely. I still deal with the occasional flareup, but don't use drugs to manage them anymore.

2.3

Patient Review

7/20/2016

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I've been on this medication for 3 months now and I have not experienced any changes, only some weight gain.

2.3

Patient Review

3/17/2017

Mercaptopurine for Ulcerated Colon

I was on this treatment for seven months. After five, I saw some improvement; however, the joint pain became so unbearable that I had to stop taking it. Now, after cort enemas and six months of asacol, I'm back in full flare.

1.3

Patient Review

11/7/2017

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

Mercaptopurine and I do not agree. This medication really irritates my system and makes me have to go to the bathroom more often than usual.

1

Patient Review

5/20/2016

Mercaptopurine for Crohn's Disease

I have had Crohn's for the past 7 years and I'm only now seeing a change after being on mercaptopurine for two months. The only downside is that I've gained weight.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about mercaptopurine

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What class drug is mercaptopurine?

"Mercaptopurine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called purine antagonists. These drugs work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells."

Answered by AI

How does mercaptopurine work for Crohn's disease?

"Azathioprine and mercaptopurine help to reduce inflammation in gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn's and Colitis by suppressing the immune system."

Answered by AI

Is mercaptopurine a chemotherapy drug?

"Mercaptopurine is a chemotherapy drug that has a wide range of applications. It is most commonly used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but can also be used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute promyelocytic leukemia (a rare form of AML), and other cancers."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of the drug mercaptopurine?

"If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor immediately:

You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. You may also experience temporary hair loss. If any of these effects are persistent or worsen, notify your doctor. This medication may cause serious side effects in some people."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Mercaptopurine

Image of McMaster Children's Hospital - Digestive Diseases Clinic in Hamilton, Canada.

Vancomycin for Ulcerative Colitis

18+
All Sexes
Hamilton, Canada

This clinical trial tests if oral vancomycin can safely treat active ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults who also have primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a liver condition. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can oral vancomycin improve UC symptoms as measured by Mayo score at 4 weeks? * Is oral vancomycin safe and tolerable in this patient group? Participants will be compared to see if vancomycin works better than placebo. Participants will: * Take oral vancomycin (250 mg twice daily) or identical placebo capsules for 4 weeks * Have the option for 4 more weeks of open-label vancomycin after the blinded phase * Attend clinic visits at baseline, week 4, and follow-up for Mayo scoring, endoscopy, blood/stool tests, and safety checks * Track treatment adherence and side effects The study primarily assesses if the trial can recruit 14 participants, retain them, achieve good adherence, and follow protocol procedures (feasibility). Secondary goals include safety (adverse events) and early signs of benefit in UC activity, liver tests, and gut bacteria balance. This pilot will guide larger future studies.

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

McMaster Children's Hospital - Digestive Diseases Clinic

Neeraj Narula, MD

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CD22 CAR T-cells for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

3 - 65
All Sexes
Bethesda, MD

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy involves taking immune cells (T cells) from a person and modifying them to better target cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy that targets a marker called CD19 has been show to can cure ALL in many children and adults. But in about 50% of patients, the ALL comes back within a year. Researchers want to find out if a second treatment with CAR T-cell therapy that targets a different marker, CD22, can keep the cancer away longer. Objective: To see if CD22 CAR T-cell therapy can keep ALL away longer. Eligibility: People aged 3 to 65 years who have no signs of cancer after CD19 CAR T-cell treatment for ALL. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have imaging scans and tests of their heart function. A sample of tissue (biopsy) will be collected from their bone marrow. They will have a fluid sample collected from the area around their spinal cord. Participants will undergo collection of their white blood cells (T cells) during a procedure called leukapheresis. Blood will be taken from their body through a vein. The blood will pass through a machine that separates out the T cells. The remaining blood will be returned to the body through a different vein. The cells will be altered in a lab to create CD22 CAR T-cell therapy. Participants will take drugs over 4 consecutive days to prepare their body for the CAR T-cell therapy; then they will receive their modified T cells through a tube inserted into a vein. Some people may need to stay in the hospital during treatment. Participants will have follow-up visits for 2 years.

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Sara K Silbert, M.D.

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Ustekinumab for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

18+
All Sexes
Montreal, Canada

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether disease remission can be maintained when biologic therapy is reduced in patients with Crohn"s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) taking ustekinumab (UST). The main question it aims to answer is: Can we de-escalate UST subcutaneous dose either from every 4 weeks (Q4) to every 8 weeks (Q8) or every 8 weeks (Q8) to every 12 weeks (Q12) in CD or UC patients in deep remission without loosing their response? Researchers will follow UST blood levels, inflammation markers and intestinal mucosa integrity and to see if UST dose can be reduced while maintaining clinical remission. Participants will: Change UST dosing from Q4 to Q8 or from Q8 to Q12. Visit the clinic once every 12 weeks for checkups and tests.

Phase 4
Recruiting

MUHC - Montreal General Hospital

Janssen Inc.

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DLI-X for Leukemia

Any Age
All Sexes
Tucson, AZ

The primary objective of this proposal is to conduct the first-in-human randomized clinical trial evaluating prophylactic DLI-X (pro-DLI-X) for relapse prevention following matched sibling donor (MSD) or haploidentical (haplo) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with hematologic malignancies. Additionally, the study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of therapeutic DLI-X (t-DLI-X) compared to t-DLI alone in patients with minimal residual disease (MRD+) or overt relapse post-alloHCT. For patients with CD19-positive lymphoid malignancies, the study will incorporate blinatumomab, while those with myeloid or CD19-negative lymphoid malignancies will receive t-DLI-X or t-DLI alone. We hypothesize that both pro-DLI-X and t-DLI-X, with or without blinatumomab, will demonstrate safety and superior efficacy by enhancing graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effects mediated by natural killer (NK) cells, γδ T cells, and CD8+ T cells, while maintaining manageable and treatment-responsive graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).

Phase 1
Waitlist Available

The University of Arizona Cancer Center

Emmanuel Katsanis, MD

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Tirzepatide + Resistance Exercise for Obesity in ALL Survivors

18+
All Sexes
Memphis, TN

This is a 28-week, single-arm, open-label phase II clinical trial evaluating the combination of Tirzepatide and remote, supervised, tailored resistance exercise training to achieve weight loss in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) living with obesity or overweight with comorbidity. Primary Objective(s): • To evaluate the effectiveness for weight loss of the combined intervention using once weekly Tirzepatide plus remote, supervised, tailored resistance exercise (three sessions per week) in adult survivors of childhood ALL with obesity or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) with ≥1 weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease). The effectiveness will be estimated as the proportion of evaluable participants who achieve at least 5% weight loss from baseline to week 28. The study will target a proportion of participants achieving 5% weight loss of 70% and consider fewer than 40% achieving 5% weight loss as unacceptable. Secondary Objective(s): * Estimate the proportion of participants who adhere to the 28-week combined intervention. Adherence to Tirzepatide will be defined as receiving at least 70% of prescribed doses. Adherence to resistance exercise will be defined as attending at least 50% of prescribed exercise sessions. Adherence to the combined intervention will be considered if participants complete the study and meet both the Tirzepatide and exercise adherence endpoint. The adherence to each component of the intervention will also be reported. * Estimate the average percentage weight loss from week 0 to 28 for participants completing the combined 28-week intervention. The study will target a mean weight reduction of 10% and consider \<5% unacceptable.

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Stephanie B Dixon, MD, MPH

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N-Acetylglucosamine for Crohn's Disease

13 - 80
All Sexes
Baltimore, MD

This study is a clinical trial of oral N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). This study includes two study groups divided by gene variation in a transporter protein that regulates manganese levels. This genetic variant increases the risk of Crohn's disease (especially involving the ileum) and is carried by approximately 10% of individuals with Crohn's disease. This genetic variant lowers manganese levels, and manganese is important in a cellular process called glycosylation, therefore, glycosylation is changed. Glycosylation in the gut controls the barrier function, interactions with the bugs in the gut, and immune function - all important in Crohn's disease. In this study, the investigators will test if this problem with glycosylation can be targeted by giving GlcNAc. GlcNAc is a key ingredient for glycosylation, and it is currently marketed as a dietary supplement in the United States.

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Joanna Melia, MD

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Duvakitug for Crohn's Disease

16 - 80
All Sexes
Coral Springs, FL

This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, maintenance, Phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of duvakitug in participants with moderately to severely active Crohn's Disease (CD). Study details include: The study duration may be up to 286 weeks including: * 40-week Pivotal Maintenance Sub-Study * 240-week Open-Label Extension (OLE) Sub-Study * 45-day Follow-Up visit Note: For the participants who do not enroll into OLE Sub-Study, the duration will be up to 46 weeks, including the 40-week maintenance period and a 45-day follow-up visit. The treatment duration may be up to 280 weeks including: * 40 weeks in the Pivotal Maintenance Sub-Study * 240 weeks in OLE Sub-Study The total number of on-site visits will be up to 43: - 21 visits in the Pivotal Maintenance Sub-Study - 22 visits in the OLE Sub-Study

Phase 3
Recruiting

Precision Clinical Research-Site Number: 8400059 (+2 Sites)

Sanofi

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Duvakitug for Crohn's Disease

16 - 80
All Sexes
Coral Springs, FL

This is a multinational, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 induction study, comprised of 3 sub-studies, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of duvakitug in participants with moderately to severely active CD. Study details include: The study duration may be up to 35 weeks with: * Up to 5-week Screening Period. * 12-week Sub-Study 1 (Single Arm Open-Label Feeder Induction) or Sub-Study 2 (Pivotal Induction). * 12-week Sub-Study 3 (Extended Induction for non-responders). * 6 weeks (45 days) follow-up period for participants who do not enroll into the Pivotal Maintenance Study (EFC18327). The treatment duration will be up to 12 weeks in each sub-study. The number of scheduled study visits for participants who continue to the Pivotal Maintenance Study (EFC18327) will be up to 8 (Sub-Study 1 and Sub-Study 2) and up to 15 for participants who enroll in Sub-Study 3.

Phase 3
Recruiting

Precision Clinical Research-Site Number: 8400059 (+30 Sites)

Sanofi

Have you considered Mercaptopurine clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Mercaptopurine, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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