mercaptopurine

In clinical studies, some people taking mercaptopurine reported experiencing hair loss. Hair loss appeared to happen later during treatment. If you notice hair loss while you’re taking mercaptopurine, talk to your provider. They can discuss how to manage hair loss. There might also be other causes for your hair loss that your provider can check for.

Yes, mercaptopurine is a type of chemotherapy medication. It works in cancer cells to disrupt how they make their own genetic material. This kills the cancer cells, which helps stop cancer growth.

Yes, mercaptopurine can lower the number of white blood cells you have, which can weaken your immune system. As a result, you’re at risk for infections, and your body might have a harder time fighting off infections. The best way to prevent infections is to wash your hands with soap and water often. Try to avoid crowded places or being around people who are ill. Tell your provider if you have a fever, chills, or if you’re getting sick often while you’re taking mercaptopurine.

Although it isn’t FDA approved for this purpose, mercaptopurine can be used off-label for Crohn’s disease. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) guidelines recommend mercaptopurine as an option to treat moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease and prevent flare-ups. Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your own gut and causes gut inflammation. Mercaptopurine weakens the immune system, which helps lower gut inflammation. This medication helps lower the amount of corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) you need to take for flare-ups that might occur. This helps you avoid unpleasant side effects of steroids. Keep in mind that taking mercaptopurine for Crohn's disease can raise your risk for a serious inflammatory condition that causes fever that doesn't go away, low energy, and headaches. If you have Crohn's disease, ask your provider whether mercaptopurine is right for you.

While it isn’t FDA approved for this purpose, mercaptopurine can be used off-label for ulcerative colitis (UC). The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) guidelines say that people with moderate-to-severe UC whose symptoms have gone away with steroid use (“in remission”) can take mercaptopurine to manage their condition and prevent flare-ups. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your large intestine and causes gut inflammation. Mercaptopurine weakens the immune system, which helps lower gut inflammation. It’s important to note that taking mercaptopurine for UC can put you at higher risk for a serious inflammatory condition that causes fever that doesn't go away, low energy, and headaches. If you have UC, ask your provider whether mercaptopurine is right for you.

If you've forgotten to take a dose of mercaptopurine, skip your missed dose. Wait to take the medication at your next regularly scheduled time.

Based on animal studies, it’s possible for mercaptopurine to cause problems for you to have children in the future. Talk with your provider if you have questions or concerns about how this medication will affect your plans to have children. They can discuss options, like egg freezing or sperm banking, with you.