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
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 1 uses such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia .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
Crohn's Disease
, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, , Suspension - Oral
Autoimmune Hepatitis
, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, , Suspension - Oral
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, , Suspension - Oral
Ulcerative Colitis
, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, , Suspension - Oral
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, , Suspension - Oral
Lymphoma
, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, , 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 ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
prior drug resistance
Do Not Combine
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.
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
Ulcerative Colitis
100 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Crohn's Disease
36 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1
Lymphoma
19 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3
Autoimmune Hepatitis
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
140 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
Mercaptopurine Reviews: What are patients saying about Mercaptopurine?
5Patient Review
2/1/2014 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 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 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 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 This treatment is effective.
5Patient Review
4/1/2020 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.
4.7Patient Review
10/25/2014 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.
4Patient Review
5/15/2015 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.
3.7Patient Review
4/23/2015 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.
3.3Patient Review
3/11/2013 I sometimes feel nauseous after taking this medication. Is this a common side effect?
2.7Patient Review
9/22/2016 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.
2.3Patient Review
7/20/2016 I've been on this medication for 3 months now and I have not experienced any changes, only some weight gain.
2.3Patient Review
3/17/2017 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.
1.3Patient Review
11/7/2017 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.
1Patient Review
5/20/2016 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.
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](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/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