Purinethol (Mercaptopurine) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Purinethol

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Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells.
While the exact cause(s) of leukemia is not known, risk factors have been identified.
Leukemias are grouped by how quickly the disease develops (acute or chronic) as well as by the type of blood cell that is affected (lymphocytes or myelocytes). The four main types of leukemia include acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).
People with leukemia are at significantly increased risk for developing infections, anemia, and bleeding. Other symptoms and signs include easy bruising, weight loss, night sweats, and unexplained fevers.
The diagnosis of leukemia is supported by findings of the medical history and examination, and examining blood and bone marrow samples under a microscope.
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Purinethol User Reviews >>

Purinethol

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Purinethol Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Purinethol)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Purinethol)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a mercaptopurine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, easy bleeding or bruising, fever or other signs of infection, and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

What should I avoid while taking mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect mercaptopurine (Purinethol)?

Before taking mercaptopurine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim, Lopurin);
azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
olsalazine (Dipentum), or sulfasalazine (Azulfidine);
sulfamethoxasole and trimethoprim (Trimpex, Proloprim, Bactrim, Septra, others); or
thioguanine (Tabloid).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take mercaptopurine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect mercaptopurine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about mercaptopurine written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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