About thioguanine
Antimetabolite chemotherapy (purine analogue)
Used for
- Treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia, usually as part of combination chemotherapy.
- Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in selected regimens.
Usual adult dose
Dose varies by chemotherapy regimen; commonly 60–200 mg/m² by mouth daily for a limited course, under specialist supervision.
Usual dose in children
Dose varies by regimen; commonly 60–200 mg/m² by mouth daily for a limited course, under specialist supervision.
Common side effects
- Low blood-cell counts, increasing infection, anaemia, or bleeding risk.
- Liver injury, including jaundice or blockage of liver blood vessels.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or mouth sores.
- Reduced appetite or hair loss.
Important warnings
- Requires specialist supervision and regular blood-count and liver-function tests.
- Can cause severe bone-marrow suppression; infections or bleeding need prompt assessment.
- Liver damage risk increases with prolonged use or certain combination treatments.
- Dose may need adjustment for TPMT or NUDT15 enzyme deficiency.
Pregnancy
Can harm an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy during treatment; discuss contraception and pregnancy planning with the treating specialist.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment because serious harm to the infant is possible.
Interactions
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow can increase blood-cell problems.
- Allopurinol may increase thioguanine effects; specialist dose adjustment may be needed.
- Live vaccines may cause infection during immune suppression.
- Mesalazine, olsalazine, or sulfasalazine may 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.