What it means
An antimetabolite antineoplastican-tee-nee-oh-PLAS-tikA drug used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing and dividing.anti- againstneo- newplas growth, formation-tic relating toFull entry , also called 6-MP, used in long-term treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemiauh-KYOOT lim-foh-BLAS-tik loo-KEE-mee-uhA fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which too many immature lymphocytes are made.Full entry and, off label, for Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. It lowers blood counts and can damage the liver. Allopurinol greatly raises its level, so the dose must be cut if they are used together.
For the nurse
Check blood counts and liver tests. Teach the client to report fever, sore throat, bruising or yellow skin. Handle it as a hazardous drug, wearing gloves. ISMP advises writing "mercaptopurine" rather than 6-MP or 6-mercaptopurine, since the number has been mistaken for a dose.
At a glance
| Drug class | antineoplastic (antimetabolite) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Purixan (liquid); Purinethol (former brand) |
| Also written | Purixan, Purinethol |
Related terms
antineoplastic
A drug used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing and dividing.
bone marrow
The soft, spongy tissue inside bones that makes blood cells.
acute lymphoblastic leukemia
A fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which too many immature lymphocytes are made.