6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP)

6-MP is one of the older chemotherapy drugs which has been around for many years. It is an active medicine against some leukemias. 6-MP is a pill, and is most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

• Acute Lymphoid Leukemia

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. 6-MP is normally given orally for many days until a response is achieved.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of 6-MP. Following are some of the most common and important ill effects:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhea

• Yellow Jaundice

It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to their medical oncologist.