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General Information On Purinethol

Patients suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia are often prescribed Purinethol and these patients need to buy Purinethol (Mercaptopurine). This is a well known drug that is used for treating acute lymphocytic leukemia. This drug is a purine antagonist, a group of drugs that reduce and prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. This drug is prescribed in combination with other drugs that help in treating cancer. While Purinethol is effective in treating acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia, it is not useful in treating central nervous system leukemia or chronic lymphatic leukemia.

Side Effects for Purinethol

Myelosuppression is the primary and most common adverse reaction to Purinethol, which could make the patient susceptible to hematologic toxicity. Other serious adverse reactions include the occurrence of secondary leukemia, myelodysplasia and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in cases where the drug is used in combination with anti TNF agents. Leucopenia, bone marrow suppression, and thrombocytopenia are other important adverse effects of Purinethol.

Some common side effects also include nausea, severe vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the upper stomach, pale skin, lightheadedness, increased heart rate, fever, chills, shortness of breath and trouble concentrating. In addition, you may also experience white patches or sores in the throat and mouth. Blood in the stools is another side effect experienced by some people while using Purinethol, along with dark colored urine and clay colored stools. Some may also experience acute hair loss, itching, or rashes on the skin as well as darkening of the skin.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to get contact your physician.

Precautions

Allergies, if any, should be communicated to your doctor before you buy Purinethol. It is important to remember that certain inactive ingredients of this drug could cause allergic reactions, which should be considered before taking this medication.

Your medical history should be discussed in detail with the doctor, including discussions about which drugs have worked in the past and which have not, especially in cases of serious illness in the past.

Avoid vaccinations when taking Purinethol as part of your treatment. If you need to take any kind of vaccine, make sure you get the consent of your doctor before you get your vaccination. Also, it is important to avoid contact with people who have recently had their oral polio or flu shot, especially the kind that is inhaled.

Avoid use of this drug if you are pregnant as the drug can affect your unborn baby. Do not try and get pregnant during the course of this medicine. If that happens, inform your doctor. Although there is no conclusive evidence that Mercaptopurine affects your baby through breastmilk, it is important to take all precautions.

Purinethol Dosage

Purinethol 50mg is the available strength of this drug. The recommended single dosage is 2.5 mg per kg weight of the individual per day, which should be taken on an empty stomach. It is important to ensure that you take Purinethol 50mg either one hour before meals or at least two hours after meals. Additionally, make sure that you drink enough fluids, which is absolutely essential for the complete and proper absorption of this drug.

Interactions

Before you start Mercaptopurine, it is important to inform your doctor about the other cancer treatment medications that you are taking. In addition, it is important to inform your doctor if you are using drugs that have Acetaminophen, Auranofin, Cyclosporine, Olsalazine, Thioguanine, Methotrexate, birth control pills, etc. In certain cases, even anti fungal medications, anticoagulants, AIDS medication, etc. have an adverse reaction. It is important to inform your doctor about any such usage and monitor such combined use when necessary to prevent problems.