Product image of Mercaptopurin-Medice (Mercaptopurine) supplied by GNH India

Mercaptopurin-Medice

Active Ingredient:
Mercaptopurine
Origin:
EU

Mercaptopurin-Medice (Mercaptopurine)

Mercaptopurine, the active ingredient in Mercaptopurin-Medice, is a thiopurine presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It is employed in the treatment of certain leukemias and inflammatory bowel diseases, targeting rapidly dividing cells.
GNH India supplies Mercaptopurin-Medice as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, oncology centres and pharmacies worldwide.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Medice Arzneimittel Pütter Gmbh & Co. Kg

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Mercaptopurin-Medice is a thiopurine used in hematologic malignancies and inflammatory bowel disorders.

  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): helps achieve remission and maintain disease control.
  • Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): used in combination regimens to obtain cytogenetic and molecular responses.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis): contributes to disease remission and reduces intestinal inflammation.

How It Works

  • After oral absorption, mercaptopurine is converted intracellularly to thioinosine monophosphate, which blocks de novo purine synthesis. This inhibition interferes with DNA and RNA production, leading to cytotoxicity in rapidly proliferating cells such as malignant leukemic blasts and activated immune cells.

Side Effects

Mercaptopurin-Medice may cause a range of adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mild infections (e.g., upper respiratory)
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Hair thinning or loss
  • Fatigue

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Severe bone marrow suppression (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia)
  • Pancreatitis
  • Hepatotoxicity with jaundice
  • Life‑threatening infections
  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions (rash, fever, organ involvement)
  • Development of secondary malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndrome.

Precautions & Warnings

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should assess baseline parameters and monitor patients closely.

  • Monitor blood counts: perform regular CBC to detect myelosuppression.
  • Assess liver function: check transaminases and bilirubin periodically.
  • Adjust dose in renal impairment: reduce dosage based on creatinine clearance.
  • Avoid use in known hypersensitivity: discontinue if allergic reaction occurs.
  • Counsel on infection risk: advise patients to report fever or signs of infection promptly.
  • Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Avoid Interactions

Mercaptopurin-Medice can interact with several medicines, requiring careful management.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Allopurinol: may increase mercaptopurine toxicity and cause severe myelosuppression.
  • Azathioprine: additive bone‑marrow suppression when used together.
  • Warfarin: can potentiate anticoagulant effect, raising INR.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • 5‑ASA agents (e.g., mesalamine): may alter mercaptopurine metabolism.
  • NSAIDs: increase risk of gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mercaptopurin-Medice, containing mercaptopurine, is indicated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It helps achieve remission or disease control by targeting rapidly dividing cells.

Mercaptopurine is converted inside cells to thioinosine monophosphate, which blocks the synthesis of purine nucleotides. This disruption prevents DNA and RNA formation, leading to cytotoxic effects on fast‑growing cells, including malignant leukemic cells and activated immune cells.

The dose of Mercaptopurin-Medice is individualized by the prescribing clinician based on the patient’s diagnosis, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and treatment response. Exact dosing regimens should be obtained from the treating physician.

Safety data for mercaptopurine in pregnancy and lactation are limited, and the drug is classified as having an unknown pregnancy category. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, and breastfeeding decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.

To place an order, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com specifying the required quantity. GNH India works with hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details and any necessary import documentation.

Mercaptopurin-Medice is a thiopurine similar to azathioprine but is administered as the active metabolite itself, allowing more direct dosing. Compared with azathioprine, it may have a faster onset of action but also carries a higher risk of myelosuppression, requiring closer laboratory monitoring.

Mercaptopurin-Medice should be stored at room temperature, below 25 °C, in its original packaging. Keep the product away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight to maintain stability.

The medication is taken orally, usually as a tablet, with or without food as directed by the prescriber. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew unless specifically instructed.

The most serious risks include severe bone‑marrow suppression leading to infections, anemia or bleeding; hepatotoxicity; pancreatitis; and rare but life‑threatening hypersensitivity reactions. Patients should be monitored regularly for blood counts and liver function.

Mercaptopurin-Medice is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to mercaptopurine or any thiopurine, in patients with severe hepatic impairment, and in those with active, uncontrolled infections. Caution is also advised for patients with pre‑existing bone‑marrow disorders.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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