Purixan

Generic name:mercaptopurine [ mer-KAP-toe-PURE-een ]

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 15, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Purixan?

Purixan is used to treat acute lymphoblastic or lymphocytic leukemia. This medicine is sometimes given with other cancer medications.

Purixan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Purixan if you have ever used Purixan or thioguanine and they were not effective in treating your condition.

Some people using Purixan have developed a rare fast-growing type of lymphoma (cancer). This condition affects the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, and it can be fatal.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of lymphoma, such as: fever, night sweats, tiredness, stomach bloating, feeling full, easy bruising or bleeding, or weight loss.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Purixan or thioguanine, or if you have ever used this medicine or thioguanine and they were not effective in treating your condition.

Purixan may cause a rare type of lymphoma (cancer) of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow that can be fatal. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

Using Purixan may also increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• an inherited condition in which your body cannot produce enough of the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT);

• any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection; or

• ulcerative colitis (treated with mesalamine, sulfasalazine, or similar medicines).

Purixan may harm an unborn baby, especially when used during the first trimester. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while taking Purixan.

How should I take Purixan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Use care when handling Purixan tablets or oral su...