6-MP (Mercaptopurine)

✅ Key Benefits

• Effective as part of multi-agent chemotherapy in leukemia

• Helps maintain remission and reduce relapse risk in ALL

• Also used off-label to manage chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease

• Convenient oral tablet dosing enables outpatient treatment

• Weight-based dosing allows precise, adjustable administration

🎯 How to Use

1. Take as prescribed by your oncologist or physician, often daily or every other day.

2. Swallow with water, with or without food.

3. Do not skip doses—consistent therapy is critical.

4. Regular blood tests are mandatory to monitor blood counts and liver function.

5. Do not stop abruptly without medical advice due to potential risk of relapse.

6. Store in a cool, dry place, in its original container.

⚠️ Precautions

• Prescription-only chemotherapy medication—strict medical supervision required

• Regular CBC and liver function tests required due to risk of myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity

• Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless benefit outweighs risk

• May interact with allopurinol and warfarin—disclose all medications to your healthcare provider

• Immunosuppressive effects increase risk of infections—seek medical care if fever or illness occur

🤕 Possible Side Effects

• Common: Low blood cell counts (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia), nausea

• Less common: Elevated liver enzymes, mouth ulceration

• Occasional: Fatigue, mild gastrointestinal upset

• Rare but serious: Severe bone marrow suppression, liver toxicity, pancreatitis—immediate medical attention required if symptoms like fever, jaundice, or bleeding occur

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is 6‑MP used for?
A. Primarily used in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and, less commonly, Crohn’s disease maintenance under specialist supervision.

Q. How long does therapy typically last?
A. Duration varies—often months to years depending on disease protocol.

Q. Can I take it with food?
A. Yes—can be taken with or without meals as directed.

Q. What monitoring is needed?
A. Regular blood counts and liver tests are essential to track potential side effects.