About mercaptopurine
Antimetabolite immunosuppressant
Used for
- Maintenance treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
Usual adult dose
Usually 50–75 mg/m² once daily, adjusted by blood counts and specialist protocols.
Usual dose in children
Usually 50–75 mg/m² once daily for ALL, adjusted by blood counts and specialist protocols.
Common side effects
- Low blood cell counts
- Infections
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Liver injury
Important warnings
- Requires regular blood count and liver tests.
- Severe bone marrow suppression can occur; doses may need adjustment.
- TPMT or NUDT15 enzyme deficiency increases toxicity risk.
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment unless the specialist advises otherwise.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Pregnancy should be avoided during treatment; discuss contraception and pregnancy planning with the specialist.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for one week after the last dose.
Interactions
- Allopurinol or febuxostat can greatly increase toxicity; specialist dose adjustment is essential.
- Warfarin effect may be reduced; closer monitoring may be needed.
- Live vaccines may cause serious infection.
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow can increase blood-count problems.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.