Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Mercaptopurine 50 mg
• Technical Term: Mercaptopurine, oral, 50 mg (HCPCS Code: S0108)

Summary

Mercaptopurine is a type of oral medication taken to manage certain medical conditions, particularly some types of cancers.

Purpose

Mercaptopurine is primarily used to treat:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Crohn's disease It aims to:
• Slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• Induce and sustain remission in leukemia.
• Reduce inflammation in conditions like Crohn's disease.

Indications

• Diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, especially in patients non-responsive to other treatments.
• Patients requiring immunosuppressive therapy.

Preparation

• Follow physician's instructions regarding meal timing.
• Blood tests may be needed to establish baseline liver function and blood cell counts.
• Discuss current medications with your doctor to prevent interactions.

Procedure Description

• Take the prescribed dose of 50 mg orally, typically in tablet form.
• Follow the dosage schedule provided by the healthcare provider.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew or crush the tablet.

Duration

• The medication is typically taken daily, and the duration depends on the specific condition being treated. For example, it is often a long-term treatment for leukemia.

Setting

• This medication is taken at home or any non-medical setting as prescribed.

Personnel

• Prescribed and monitored by healthcare providers such as oncologists, hematologists, or gastroenterologists.

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite Rare risks:
• Liver toxicity
• Bone marrow suppression leading to anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia
• Increased risk of infection

Benefits

• Potential to achieve and maintain remission in conditions like leukemia.
• Reduction in symptoms and inflammation for Crohn's disease.
• Benefits can be observed within weeks to months, depending on the individual's response to the medication.

Recovery

• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor blood counts and liver function.
• Patients should report any side effects such as extreme fatigue, unusual bruising, or yellowing of the skin immediately.
• Recovery and response will vary based on the underlying condition.

Alternatives

• Other chemotherapy drugs or targeted therapies for leukemia.
• Biologics or other immunosuppressive agents for Crohn's disease.
• Pros and cons vary; for instance, biologics might have fewer side effects but be more expensive.

Patient Experience

• Patients might experience mild to moderate side effects like nausea or appetite loss initially.
• Pain management typically isn't necessary, but discomfort can be managed with other medications if needed.
• Consistent monitoring and communication with healthcare providers are essential.