6-Mercaptopurine
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs| Contact us
(mer-kap-to-PYOOR-een)
What is 6-mercaptopurine or 6-MP (Purinethol)?
6-Mercaptopurine (Purinethol) is a medicine used to treat certain types of cancer and in the treatment of Crohn's disease. It is available as a tablet and as an injectable medication.
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Special Instructions
It is best to take this medication on an empty stomach 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
This medication can be given at bedtime to decrease nausea.
It is best to take this medication at the same time each day.
Your child's doctor may want to have your child's blood drawn while taking this medication in order to monitor for side effects of the drug.
This is a hazardous medication and should be used with caution. Parents should wear gloves when handling this medication.
Store medication at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Do not store in the bathroom.
Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately. Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
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If a Dose is Missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side Effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Soreness in the mouth or throat
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
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Warning Signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Signs of jaundice including yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Loss of balance, lack of coordination, or sleepiness
- Fever of 101.5 once or 100.5 twice in 12 hours
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Severe sore throat or difficulty swallowing
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Written 6/04; rev. 9/05, 8/07
