Mercaptopurine (also called 6-Mercaptopurine, 6-MP or its brand name Purinethol®) is an immunosuppressive drug used to treat leukemia. It is also used for pediatric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, polycythemia vera, and psoriatic arthritis. It may also be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis).

Adverse reactions

Some of the adverse reactions of taking Mercaptopurine might include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, weakness, skin rash, darkening of the skin, or hair loss. Serious adverse reactions include mouth sores, fever, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, pinpoint red spots on the skin, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, painful or difficult urination. Unlikely but serious side effects include: black or tarry stools (melena), bloody stools, and bloody urine.