Description
Uses of Medicine:
Mercaptopurine 50 mg tablets are classified under the anti-cancer category. This oral kinase inhibitor is widely supplied generically as well as in branded medicine. Patients, Healthcare Professionals (HCPs), or Hospitals can buy Mercaptopurine 50 mg tablets online from India through THE INDIAN PHARMA (a trusted Mercaptopurine Supplier, Exporter, and Contract Manufacturer in India) for the management and treatment of adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a subtype of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by an overproduction of primitive lymphocytes, called lymphoblasts, which are nonfunctional white blood cells. The excess white blood cells interfere with the normal physiology of hematopoiesis and can be fatal if not controlled adequately.
Any patient with an impending immunization will need to consult with either a medical doctor or nurse before acting further. While taking Mercaptopurine 50 mg, live vaccines such as polio, measles, mumps, and rubella should only be given with a physician’s approval. Infection rates increase for patients on live vaccines during the treatment period. For example, yellow fever vaccination is contraindicated while taking this medication due to the chances of getting very ill.
Moreover, your health provider may refer you for some blood and urine analysis to monitor your kidney functions and the levels of uric acid in your body. This is important because Mercaptopurine can raise uric acid levels, which, if left unchecked, can result in renal problems. A patient with renal impairment is at greater risk of developing toxicity because his body clears the drug more slowly, so they may need to begin with a lower dose. Similar to those with hepatic dysfunction, where there may be an excess of the drug, such patients will also require modified doses.
During treatment with Mercaptopurine 50 mg, physicians may monitor patients for white blood cell count, platelets, blood glucose, electrolytes, and kidney functions. These assessments help in preventing any complications that may occur as a side effect of the therapy. Patients suffering from chronic liver diseases, cardiac failure, and hypercholesterolemia and hypertension need to inform their physician before starting treatment.
As a result of the possibility of hepatic toxicity due to Mercaptopurine 50 mg, your physician may order weekly liver function tests. In addition, any cases of hypersensitivity reactions like skin rash or any form of itching need to be followed up without delay.
Dosage & Side Effects:
The initial recommended dose of Mercaptopurine is between 1.5 and 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight taken orally once daily. This falls within the range of a single-day cycle of combination chemotherapy. A proposed dose for patients with a body weight under 17 kg does not work since there is only one dosage available; that is, 50 mg. It is inconsequential whether Mecaptopurine is taken with or without food. After starting treatment, patients are required to obtain a CBC and subsequently modify the SCM dose so that ANC is within control ranges and there is no undue myelosuppression. For prolonged severe myelosuppression patients, perform leukemia and bone marrow cellularity through bone marrow examination. For patients with repeated severe myelosuppression, determine TPMT and NUDT15 polymorphisms. Tablets should not be given to patients who cannot swallow them. In the event of skipped doses, instruct patients to continue with the next set dose and refrain from backtracking.The most commonly reported side effects of Mercaptopurine 50 mg tablets are vomiting, nausea, rash, myelosuppression, including anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia, diarrhea, and malaise.
