PRODUCT DETAILS

About Mercapto 50mg Tablet

MERCAPTOPURINE belongs to the class of medication called anticancer drugs used in the treatment of blood cancer. Blood cancer also known as leukaemia, is the cancer of blood cells. It causes excessive production of immature white blood cells by the bone marrow.

Uses of Mercapto 50mg Tablet

Blood cancer (Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) 

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Medicinal Benefits of Mercapto 50mg Tablet

MERCAPTOPURINE contains Mercaptopurine, an anticancer drug used to treat blood cancer. MERCAPTOPURINE interferes with the production of genetic material (DNA and RNA) in the cancer cells essential for growth, repair and multiplication of cells. Thus, MERCAPTOPURINE stops multiplication of abnormal cells and leads to cell's growth in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells. 

Directions for Use

Take MERCAPTOPURINE with or without food as advised by your doctor preferably 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking milk or dairy products. The tablet form of MERCAPTOPURINE should be swallowed as a whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew it. The liquid form of MERCAPTOPURINE should be taken by mouth using the measuring cup or dosing syringe provided with the pack. Shake the bottle well before each use.

Side Effects of Mercapto 50mg Tablet

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Low red blood cell count
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
  • Inflammation of the mouth

Similar Drugs

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

If you are allergic to MERCAPTOPURINE or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking MERCAPTOPURINE if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a doctor. You are recommended to use effective contraceptive methods while using MERCAPTOPURINE and 3 months after completing the course of MERCAPTOPURINE to prevent pregnancy. MERCAPTOPURINE should be used with caution in children, especially in children below 6 years or with low body mass index as it may cause low blood sugar. MERCAPTOPURINE may increase the risk of infections. Therefore, consult your doctor if you notice any infection signs such as urinary problems, sore throat or mouth. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as MERCAPTOPURINE may cause sensitivity to sunlight. You are advised to use a sunscreen with a high protection factor and wear protective clothing while going out. MERCAPTOPURINE may increase the risk of a serious condition called macrophage activation syndrome (over activation of white blood cells associated with inflammation), especially in people with arthritis. If you are about to receive any vaccinations, inform your doctor that you are taking MERCAPTOPURINE to cause infections. 

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction:

 MERCAPTOPURINE may interact with medicines used to treat gout (thiopurinol, febuxostat, oxipurinol, allopurinol), anti-inflammatory drugs (mesalazine, sulfasalazine, olsalazine), blood thinner (warfarin, acenocoumarol), a drug used to treat various autoimmune diseases (infliximab), anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine), antiviral drug (ribavirin).

Drug-Disease Interaction:

If you have TPMT (thiopurine methyltransferase) deficiency, an inherited mutation in the NUDT15-gene (a gene involved in the breakdown of mercaptopurine in the body), Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (a genetic condition), shingles, chickenpox, hepatitis B infection, kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking MERCAPTOPURINE.

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL

• Interaction of MERCAPTOPURINE with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using MERCAPTOPURINE.

PREGNANCY

• MERCAPTOPURINE is a category D pregnancy drug and is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months as it may cause harm to the foetus. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.

BREAST FEEDING

• MERCAPTOPURINE is contraindicated in breastfeeding women. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.

DRIVING

• MERCAPTOPURINE usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

LIVER

• Take MERCAPTOPURINE with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

KIDNEY

• Take MERCAPTOPURINE with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.