About mercaptop urine
Antimetabolite immunosuppressant
Used for
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), as part of combination chemotherapy.
Usual adult dose
Usually 1.5–2.5 mg/kg by mouth once daily, adjusted by blood counts and specialist protocols.
Usual dose in children
Usually 1.5–2.5 mg/kg by mouth once daily, adjusted by blood counts and specialist protocols.
Common side effects
- Low blood-cell counts and increased infection risk
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Liver injury
- Mouth sores or diarrhea
Important warnings
- Requires frequent blood tests and specialist supervision.
- Can cause severe bone-marrow suppression; genetic TPMT or NUDT15 differences increase risk.
- Avoid live vaccines; infection risk may be increased.
- Do not handle crushed tablets without appropriate precautions.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Pregnancy prevention and specialist guidance are important during treatment.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment because the medicine may harm the infant.
Interactions
- Allopurinol can markedly increase mercaptopurine effects; dose adjustment is required.
- Febuxostat is generally avoided with mercaptopurine.
- Warfarin effects may be reduced.
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow can increase toxicity.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.