Antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drug used in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia and certain other neoplasms. Adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and bone marrow depression.
A drug that prevents the growth of cancer cells and is administered by mouth, chiefly in the treatment of some types of leukemia. It commonly reduces the numbers of white blood cells; mouth ulcers and digestive upsets may also occur.
One of the antimetabolite group of drugs, which become incorporated into new nuclear material in the cell or combine irreversibly with vital cellular enzymes, preventing normal cellular metabolism and division. Mercaptopurine is used mainly for the maintenance treatment of acute leukaemia, though it is increasingly proving valuable in the treatment of Crohn’s disease. As with all cytotoxic drugs, dosage must be carefully controlled; in particular it must be reduced if used concurrently with allopurinol. Side-effects include gastrointestinal upsets (including ulceration), and bone-marrow depression.
A medication used to combat specific forms of leukemia. Common side effects are nausea, mouth sores, and decreased appetite. In rare instances, it can lead to liver harm, anemia, and unusual bleeding.