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What is the most important information I should know about mercaptopurine?

Before taking mercaptopurine, tell your doctor if you are allgergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney or liver disease, or any type of infection.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, mouth sores, dark urine, severe stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Mercaptopurine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What is mercaptopurine?

Mercaptopurine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Mercaptopurine is used to treat acute lymphatic leukemia or acute myelogenous leukemia. Mercaptopurine is usually given together with other cancer medications.

Mercaptopurine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mercaptopurine?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to mercaptopurine.

Before taking mercaptopurine, tell your doctor if you are allgergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver problems;
• kidney problems; or

• any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use mercaptopurine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use mercaptopurine without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether mercaptopurine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.