Mercaptopurine
Purine Analogues
Sold as Loulla · PURINETHOL
- Drug class
- Purine Analogues
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Oral
- Markets covered
- 4
- Products on record
- 22
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 681
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Mercaptopurine is a medication classified as a purine analogue [1]. It functions as a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor [1].
Mercaptopurine is approved for treating patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) [1]. It is used as a component of a combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen for this condition [1].
In the past 12 months, there have been 681 adverse event reports concerning mercaptopurine [2]. Common adverse events associated with this medication include febrile neutropenia, myelosuppression, and neutropenia [2]. Other reported events include off-label use and the drug being ineffective [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 18 | May 22, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 2 | March 22, 2025 |
| US United States | FDA | 1 | April 4, 2025 |
| EU European Union | EMA | 1 | September 25, 2025 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
18 products
Uses
Hanixol 50 mg tablets is indicated for the treatment of APL (acute promyelocytic leukaemia) and AML M3 (acute myeloid leukaemia M3) in adults, adolescents and children. Indicated for maintenance of remission in moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease) in adults.
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
2 products
Uses
PURINETHOL® (mercaptopurine tablets) is indicated for: • The maintenance therapy of the acute lymphatic (lymphocytic, lymphoblastic) leukemia as part of a combination regimen. Combination therapy with multiple agents has produced results superior to that achieved with mercaptopurine alone.
The effectiveness of mercaptopurine in maintenance programs in adult lymphatic leukemia has not been established. PURINETHOL is not effective for prophylaxis or treatment of central nervous system leukemia. PURINETHOL is not effective in acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the lymphomas (including Hodgkin's Disease), or solid tumors.
3 Special Populations). 4 Geriatrics).
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
1 product
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Mercaptopurine is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as part of a combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen. 1 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Mercaptopurine is indicated for the treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as part of a combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen.
How to take
EUEuropean Union· EMA
1 product
Uses
Xaluprine is indicated for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in adults, adolescents and children.
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Mercaptopurine. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 256. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PLGB429240029 · revised March 20, 2026
- [2]Health Canada (DPD) · 00004723 · revised March 22, 2025
- [3]FDA DailyMed · 0a366cf3-91f0-4a… · revised April 4, 2025 [PDF]
- [4]European Medicines Agency · EMEA/H/C/002022 · revised September 25, 2025
- [5]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.