Merpurin

Merpurin (Mercaptopurine) is classified as a purine antagonist and is used as a maintenance therapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It is often administered in combination with other chemotherapy medications. ALL is a form of cancer affecting the white blood cells which is also known as acute lymphatic or lymphoblastic leukemia. It causes too much cancerous lymphoblasts (immature white blood cells) to be produced. As a result of this, the production of normal and healthy white and red blood cells is affected.

This anti-cancer medication`s mode of action involves disrupting the multiplication and spread of the abnormal cancer cells. It achieves this by inhibiting various reactions and affecting RNA and DNA production in the cancerous cells. This eventually kills the abnormal cells. Patients should note that this medicine will not work effectively for the treatment or prevention of leukemia affecting the central nervous system, solid tumors, chronic lymphatic leukemia and Hodgkin`s disease. However, it has been the subject of research which examined its potential use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, Crohn`s disease and various other disorders.

Merpurin (Mercaptopurine) comes in the form of 50mg tablets which are taken by mouth. Careful calculation of the daily dosage will be required by the physician, and factors to consider include the patient`s medical history, whether or not the patient is affected by renal impairment, which other medicines are being administered concomitantly and various other factors. Physicians normally determine the dosage according to the patient`s weight.

Patients treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia may be given 2.5mg per day kilogram of body weight per day as an initial dosage, and the maintenance dosage usually ranges from 1.5mg to 2.5mg per day per kilogram of body weight. The dosage for Crohn`s disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions may differ. In all cases, it will be necessary to strictly comply with the dosage schedule provided by the physician responsible for treatment.

If you experience any side effects while taking Merpurin (Mercaptopurine) tablets, ensure that you inform your physician. Possible reactions can include:

• Diarrhea
• Loss of hair
• Poor appetite
• Sickness and vomiting
• Dark discoloration of the skin

Patients should be aware of the fact that other reactions may also occur. Immediately consult your physician if you suffer from fever, loss of body weight, bruising, bleeding, infection symptoms or any other severe adverse events which are not referenced here.

Patients undergoing treatment with Merpurin (Mercaptopurine) will require blood tests on a regular basis, for various purposes, including the monitoring of the liver function so that any signs of liver problems can be identified.

You will not be able to get any live vaccines during treatment with this medicine. This is because the medicine will weaken the immune system and put you at risk of contracting the virus from a live vaccine.

Stay away from people who are suffering from any infections or who are otherwise sick. Also, it will be necessary to inform your physician straight away if you suffer from any infections.