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Purinethol

Mercaptopurine

Utilised to manage rapid lymphatic division to alleviate leukaemic cells and support therapeutic remission.

Active ingredient
Mercaptopurine
Route
Oral use
Form
Tablet
Strengths
50mg

You will receive a quality generic equivalent of Purinethol, depending on stock.

Prescription and consultation requirements for Purinethol vary by destination and are determined by the fulfilment partner.

Purinethol details

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

utilised to manage rapid lymphatic division to alleviate leukaemic cells and support therapeutic remission.

Mechanism of action

Competes with natural purines to incorporate into cell DNA and RNA, arresting molecular replication pathways.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

TGA Category D: High risk of fetal toxicity. Strictly contraindicated. Breastfeeding: Contraindicated.

What you will receive

Purinethol is the originator brand name, made by GlaxoSmithKline. We use it to identify the medicine and are not affiliated with GlaxoSmithKline.

  • The fulfilment partner confirms whether the exact brand or an equivalent containing Mercaptopurine is offered.
  • The offered brand, manufacturer and dispatch location depend on the product, destination and partner warehouse.
  • Check the final product details at checkout before confirming an order.

How we compare medicine brands and generics