The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Low white blood cell count
- Low platelet count
- Low appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- General feeling of discomfort
- Rash
Less Common Side Effects
- Mouth sores
- Itchy skin or hives
- Darkening of skin color
- Infection
Mercaptopurine serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Low blood cell counts: fever, sore throat, frequent infections, unusual bleeding or bruising, pale skin, tiredness
- Liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach bloating
Source: DailyMed
The following Mercaptopurine side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
clay colored stools
cough or hoarseness
dark urine
decreased appetite
fever or chills
headache
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
nausea, vomiting
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
rash, itchy skin
stomach pain or tenderness
swelling of the feet or lower legs
trouble with breathing upon exertion
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known
blurred vision
cold sweats
coma
confusion
dizziness
fast heartbeat
increased hunger
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
indigestion
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
nervousness
nightmares
redness or other discoloration of the skin
seizures
severe sunburn
shakiness
slurred speech
stomach cramping or burning
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Darkening of the skin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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