GNH USA

Europe — EMA

Mercaptopurina

GNH USA supplies Mercaptopurina (Mercaptopurine), an antimetabolite for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, ulcerative colitis

Mercaptopurine

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What is Mercaptopurine?

Mercaptopurine, the active ingredient in Mercaptopurina, is an antimetabolite presented as a tablet for oral use. It treats acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in appropriate patients.

GNH USA supplies Mercaptopurina as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

What is Mercaptopurine used for?

Mercaptopurine is employed in hematologic malignancies and inflammatory bowel disease to inhibit abnormal cell proliferation.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: induces remission and improves survival. Chronic myeloid leukemia: contributes to disease control as part of combination therapy. Ulcerative colitis: reduces inflammation and helps maintain remission. Crohn's disease: assists in achieving clinical remission and mucosal healing.

What are the side effects of Mercaptopurine?

Common side effects are generally mild to moderate and may affect many patients.

Common Side Effects: - Nausea and vomiting - Diarrhea - Fatigue - Mild myelosuppression (low white blood cells) - Elevated liver enzymes

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Severe bone‑marrow suppression (pancytopenia) - Hepatotoxicity (significant liver injury) - Pancreatitis - Secondary malignancies such as therapy‑related leukemia

What precautions apply to Mercaptopurine?

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should evaluate baseline labs and patient risk factors.

Monitor blood counts: perform regular CBC to detect myelosuppression. Assess liver function: periodic LFTs for hepatotoxicity. Adjust dose in renal impairment: reduce dose if creatinine clearance is decreased. Avoid in pregnancy: category D, potential fetal harm. Discontinue on hypersensitivity: stop if allergic reaction occurs. Store at room temperature: keep below 25°C, protect from moisture, retain original packaging.

What does Mercaptopurine interact with?

Mercaptopurine may interact with several medicines, requiring careful management.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Allopurinol: increases mercaptopurine toxicity. - Azathioprine: additive myelosuppression. - Warfarin: may raise INR and bleeding risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - 5‑ASA agents (e.g., mesalamine): can enhance bone‑marrow suppression. - Methotrexate: overlapping hematologic toxicity. - Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole: may increase risk of cytopenias.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mercaptopurina used for?+
Mercaptopurina (mercaptopurine) is prescribed for several serious conditions, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In oncology it helps achieve remission and prolong survival, while in inflammatory bowel disease it reduces inflammation and maintains disease control.
How does Mercaptopurine work?+
Mercaptopurine blocks the enzyme hypoxanthine‑guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, preventing the formation of active purine nucleotides. The drug is then incorporated into DNA and RNA, disrupting de novo purine synthesis and halting the replication of rapidly dividing cells, which underlies its antineoplastic and immunosuppressive effects.
What is the usual dose of Mercaptopurina?+
The dosage of Mercaptopurina is individualized. A qualified prescriber determines the appropriate amount based on the specific indication, patient weight, renal and hepatic function, and concurrent therapies. Patients should follow the exact dosing instructions provided by their healthcare professional.
Is Mercaptopurina safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?+
Mercaptopurina is classified as pregnancy category D, indicating evidence of fetal risk. It should be avoided unless the potential benefit justifies the risk. Breastfeeding is also discouraged because the drug can be excreted in milk. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing should discuss alternatives with their physician.
How do I order Mercaptopurina from GNH USA?+
To order Mercaptopurina, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnh-usa.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH USA supplies hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, and will request verification of trade or institutional credentials. After confirmation, the sales team provides pricing, availability, shipping details and any necessary import documentation.
How does Mercaptopurina compare with the main alternative drug or class?+
The primary alternative to Mercaptopurina is azathioprine, another thiopurine immunosuppressant. Both share a similar mechanism, but Mercaptopurina is often preferred in oncology because it provides more predictable pharmacokinetics and can be used at higher potency for leukemia treatment. Azathioprine is frequently chosen for long‑term maintenance in inflammatory bowel disease due to its oral convenience.
How should Mercaptopurina be stored and handled?+
Mercaptopurina tablets should be stored at room temperature, below 25 °C, in their original container to protect from moisture and light. Keep the product out of reach of children and avoid storing in humid environments such as bathrooms. No special refrigeration is required.
How is Mercaptopurina administered?+
Mercaptopurina is taken orally as a tablet. Patients should swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, with or without food, unless otherwise directed by their prescriber. The exact timing and frequency are determined by the treating physician based on the therapeutic indication.
What are the most serious risks to watch for while taking Mercaptopurina?+
The most critical risks include severe bone‑marrow suppression leading to pancytopenia, significant liver injury (hepatotoxicity), pancreatitis, and the rare development of secondary malignancies such as therapy‑related leukemia. Patients should report signs of infection, unusual bruising, persistent nausea, jaundice or severe abdominal pain to their healthcare provider promptly.
Who should not use Mercaptopurina?+
Mercaptopurina is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the drug, pregnant women (unless benefits outweigh risks), patients with severe hepatic impairment, uncontrolled infections, or those receiving concurrent high‑dose myelosuppressive therapy without appropriate monitoring. A thorough medical assessment is required before initiating treatment.
Information provided on this page is for educational use by procurement and clinical professionals. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for medical advice and prescribing decisions. GNH USA supplies this product subject to applicable regulatory and licensing requirements.
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Product details

Drug
Mercaptopurine
Route
Oral Use
Manufacturer
Aspen Pharma Trading Limited
Origin
EU

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