Purinethol
Mercaptopurine tablets for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. They interfere with the DNA building blocks in cancer cells.
- Category
- Oncology Support
- Active ingredient
- Mercaptopurine
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 50mg
This listing uses Purinethol as a reference name. A generic equivalent is supplied; its exact brand and manufacturer are confirmed before supply.
Prescription and consultation requirements for Purinethol vary by destination and are determined by the fulfilment partner.
Purinethol details
- Condition
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia
- Alternative names
- mercaptopurine
- Therapeutic class
- Purine Antimetabolite
- Pharmacological class
- Antineoplastic Agent
- Known off-label uses
- inflammatory bowel disease
- Contraindications
- previous resistance to mercaptopurine; pregnancy
- Minor side effects
- nausea; vomiting; anorexia
- Moderate side effects
- myelosuppression; skin pigmentation; transient transaminase elevation
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- Originator
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Onset Time
- 2–4 weeks
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- Allopurinol; Warfarin; Bactrim
- Age restrictions
- Approved for paediatric and adult populations.
Serious side effects
severe leukopenia, requires immediate medical attention; severe hepatotoxicity, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Mercaptopurine tablets for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. They interfere with the DNA building blocks in cancer cells.
Mechanism of action
Competes with natural purines to incorporate into cell DNA and RNA, arresting molecular replication pathways.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: High risk of fetal toxicity. Strictly contraindicated. Breastfeeding: Contraindicated.
What you will receive
Purinethol is used here as a reference originator brand name to identify the medicine. We are not affiliated with the brand owner, and this listing does not offer the originator product.
- The supplied product is a generic equivalent containing Mercaptopurine, not the originator brand shown as the reference.
- The exact generic brand, manufacturer and dispatch location are confirmed based on the product, destination and available manufacturer or partner warehouse.
- Check the final product details at checkout before confirming an order.