Mercaptopurine

Ulcerative Colitis, Hepatitis, Autoimmune, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia + 3 more
Treatment
2 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Mercaptopurine

What is Mercaptopurine

MercaptopurineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMercaptopurine 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.
Mercaptopurineis 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 PatientsMercaptopurine 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 bodyMercaptopurine 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
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Lymphoma
50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Crohn's Disease
50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Hepatitis, Autoimmune
50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Ulcerative Colitis
50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension, Suspension - Oral

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 RiskOverdosing 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
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
119 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 4
Lymphoma
19 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4
Ulcerative Colitis
13 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Hepatitis, Autoimmune
0 Actively Recruiting
Crohn's Disease
44 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4

Mercaptopurine Reviews: What are patients saying about Mercaptopurine?

5Patient 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?
5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
5Patient Review
8/11/2013
Mercaptopurine for Type of Leukemia - Acute Myeloid Leukemia
This treatment is effective.
View All Reviews
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

Have you considered Mercaptopurine clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Mercaptopurine, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Mercaptopurine clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Mercaptopurine, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Mercaptopurine clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Mercaptopurine, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.
Back to top