Notice: Images are for illustration only and may not reflect the exact product you receive. Brand-name medications may look different depending on their country of origin—Canadian versions, for example, often include a "PR" symbol on the packaging. Rest assured, the medication, dosage, and active ingredients will be exactly as prescribed. Canada Pharmacy Store is committed to your health and safety, and we work only with licensed pharmacies to ensure you receive trusted, high-quality medication every time.
Purinethol (Mercaptopurine)
| Mercaptopurine (Generic) Mercaptopurine | ||||||
|
Shipped from Canada | ||||||
| | ||||||
| Select product strength & quantity:
Who is the product for? YouOtherAdd Family Member/PetYou must be logged in to add additional members to the order. Don't have an account? or Add Family Member/PetSign inTo continue, please enter your email address and password that you use for your account. | ||||||
| Mercaptopurine (Generic) Mercaptopurine | ||||||
|
Shipped from Mauritius | ||||||
| | ||||||
| Select product strength & quantity:
Who is the product for? YouOtherAdd Family Member/PetYou must be logged in to add additional members to the order. Don't have an account? or Add Family Member/PetSign inTo continue, please enter your email address and password that you use for your account. | ||||||
General Medication Fact Sheet for Purinethol
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Purinethol |
| Generic Name | Mercaptopurine |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Purinethol is a cytotoxic drug. Use extreme caution in handling. It is mutagenic in animals and humans and carcinogenic in animals. It can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. |
| Purpose | Treatment of acute leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). |
| Mechanism of Action | Mercaptopurine is a purine analogue that interferes with nucleic acid biosynthesis, inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis, and leading to cell death, especially in rapidly dividing cells. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 50 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Varies widely depending on treatment protocol; typically daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider. |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, mouth sores, skin rash. |
| Serious Side Effects | Bone marrow suppression (leading to low blood counts), liver toxicity, increased risk of infections, pancreatitis. |
| Drug Interactions | Allopurinol (requires mercaptopurine dose reduction), warfarin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, vaccinations (live vaccines). |
| Important Notes | Regular blood tests are essential to monitor blood counts and liver function. Genetic testing for TPMT deficiency may be recommended. Avoid live vaccines. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Consult your healthcare provider immediately for guidance. Do not take a double dose. |
| Alternatives | Methotrexate, Vincristine, Daunorubicin, Asparaginase |
Purinethol Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Methotrexate | Folic acid antagonist that inhibits DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. | Often used in combination with mercaptopurine in leukemia treatment protocols. |
| Vincristine | Microtubule inhibitor that disrupts cell division. | Another common component of leukemia treatment regimens. |
| Daunorubicin | Anthracycline antibiotic that inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis. | Used in certain types of leukemia. |
| Asparaginase | Enzyme that depletes asparagine, an amino acid essential for leukemia cell growth. | Effective in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia. |
Purinethol Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Bone marrow suppression (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia) |
| Vomiting | Liver toxicity |
| Loss of appetite | Increased risk of infections |
| Diarrhea | Pancreatitis |
| Mouth sores | Secondary malignancies |
| Skin rash | Tumor lysis syndrome |
Purinethol Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) – Induction | 2.5 mg/kg daily | Varies depending on protocol | Administered orally. Often used in combination with other chemotherapy agents. Allopurinol requires dose reduction. |
| Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) – Maintenance | 1.5 – 2.5 mg/kg daily | Varies depending on protocol | Administered orally. Doses adjusted based on blood counts and tolerance. |
Purinethol Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $20 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $160 |
| From CPS | $100 |
