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What is Purinethol
MercaptopurineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMethotrexate is a medication used to fight cancer and suppress the immune system. It works by blocking the body's ability to produce certain molecules needed for cell growth. Methotrexate is usually used in combination with other drugs to treat or keep leukemia in remission.
Mercaptopurineis the brand name
Purinethol 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 Purinethol Affects PatientsMercaptopurine is a type of drug used to treat leukemias in humans. It works by blocking the production of nucleic acids, which are essential for the growth and development of cells. The exact way it causes cell death is not known.
How Purinethol works in the bodyMercaptopurine interferes with the body's natural production of purine ribonucleotides, which are necessary for cell growth and reproduction. It works by blocking certain enzymes responsible for the synthesis of these molecules. It is also converted to a compound called 6-methylthioinosinate which blocks yet another enzyme involved in the synthesis of purine ribonucleotides. Mercaptopurine can also be found in the form of deoxythioguanosine within DNA, as well as in the form of 6-thioguanine, which is a nucleotide derivative. All of these effects work
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dosage of Purinethol relies upon the diagnosed situation, including Crohn's Disease, Autoimmune Hepatitis and Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. The variety of dosage depends on the method of delivery (e.g. Suspension or Tablet - Oral) noted in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Crohn's Disease
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
Ulcerative Colitis
50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Autoimmune Hepatitis
50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
50.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Warnings
Purinethol has one contraindication and should not be employed in unison with the ailments specified in the following table.Purinethol ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
prior drug resistance
Do Not Combine
Common Purinethol 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.
Purinethol Toxicity & Overdose RiskSigns of overdosing on mercaptopurine can be immediate, such as a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; or delayed, such as reduced bone marrow function, liver problems, and stomach inflammation. The toxic dose of mercaptopurine in mice has been found to be 480mg/kg and 425mg/kg in rats.
Purinethol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Purinethol?
Currently, 289 active clinical trials are assessing the potential of Purinethol to provide relief from Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, Lymphoma and Autoimmune Hepatitis.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Ulcerative Colitis
98 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
146 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 4
Crohn's Disease
35 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Lymphoma
19 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4
Autoimmune Hepatitis
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Purinethol Reviews: What are patients saying about Purinethol?
5Patient Review
6/5/2009 This treatment has been working well for me and I'm able to lead a normal life. I don't know what the future holds, but for now this is the best option for me. I've been told that it can make people more aggressive, and I have noticed that myself, especially with family members. But I'm hoping that over time this will change.
5Patient Review
6/20/2014 I was taking this medication for Crohn's disease, and it effectively stopped my uveitis attacks. However, I recently ran out of the medication and started having uveitis attacks again. I urge the manufacturers to bring this back to the market!
5Patient Review
6/8/2009 This medication has been a godsend for my colitis. I was diagnosed three years ago and have tried other treatments off-and-on since then, but this is the first one that has really worked for me consistently. I'm feeling normal again, finally!
4.7Patient Review
4/5/2012 I am taking 50mg of purinethol per day also 25mg prednisolne. I sometimes experience dizziness, hot flushes, and an irregular heartbeat.
3.7Patient Review
10/29/2013 I've been on this medication for eight years now, and I recently came across some reviews discussing the side effects of it with regards to pregnancy. Does anyone know if there are still risks even if I stop taking the medication during pregnancy?
3Patient Review
12/30/2013 After taking this drug for a long time, I developed scar tissue in my lungs. My hearing has also gotten worse, and it's possible that this is from the chemotherapy.
3Patient Review
2/4/2011 This drug is great. It really helped me out.
3Patient Review
2/1/2011 This drug is great. It really helped me out.
3Patient Review
2/1/2011 This drug is great. It really helped me out.
2.7Patient Review
8/20/2010 I was hospitalized with a fever of 103 after only two weeks on this medication for Crohn's. I developed pancreatitis as a result of the fever, so please be cautious if you experience any similar symptoms while taking this drug.
1Patient Review
9/17/2009 I'm allergic to sulfasalazine, and Colazol/Asacol didn't help my UC at all. I tried Purinethol next, and had a massive allergic reaction including a 106 fever, pain in my spine and joints, hives, and spots on my tongue. Several doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. I stopped taking the drug and went into remission after starting nicotine therapy.
1Patient Review
2/6/2012 Unfortunately, this caused pancreatitis in me. I experienced the most pain I've ever been in and had to stay in the hospital for a week while they tried to figure out what was wrong. My temperature was 103, my heart rate was rapid, and I was severely dehydrated.
Patient Q&A Section about purinethol
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the side effects of purinethol?
"Feeling sick to your stomach, throwing up, having watery stool, not feeling hungry, itchiness, or a skin rash are all signs that something might be wrong. If your skin also starts to look darker, that could be a sign of a problem, too."
Answered by AI
What type of medication is purinethol?
"Purinethol is a prescription medication that is used to help relieve symptoms of acute lymphatic leukemia. It can be used by itself or in combination with other drugs. Purinethol works by belongs to a class of drugs that help to prevent the growth of cancer cells and modulate the immune system."
Answered by AI
Is purinethol a chemotherapy drug?
"Purinethol is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug that is classified as an "antimetabolite.""
Answered by AI