- Also called 6-Mercaptopurine and 6-MP

- Is an class of drug that is used as a immunosupprressant

Uses:

   -     Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
   -     Leukemia
   -     Psoriatic Arthritis
   -     Crohn’s Disease
   -     Ulcerative Colitis
   -     Polycythemia vera
   -     others

Method of Action:

-      Is converted to ribonucleotide
-      Inhibits Purine synthesis
-      Alters DNA and RNA production

Side Effects:

   -     Nausea
   -     Vomiting
   -     Diarrhea
   -     Rash
   -     Abdominal pressure
   -     Abdominal pain
   -     Bloating
   -     Hair loss
   -     Color change of skin, eyes
   -     Darkening of urine

***  Can cause decrease in production of white and red blood cells

**  Weekly blood work is often recommended

*  Allopurinal should be reduced or stopped due to drug interaction