thioguanine

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Pronunciation: THYE oh GWA neen

Brand: Tabloid

What is the most important information I should know about thioguanine?

You should not use this medicine if you have ever used thioguanine or mercaptopurine and they were not effective in treating your condition.

What is thioguanine?

Thioguanine is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Thioguanine is used to treat certain types of leukemia. Thioguanine is sometimes given with other cancer medications.

Thioguanine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thioguanine?

You should not use thioguanine if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever used thioguanine or mercaptopurine and they were not effective in treating your condition.

To make sure thioguanine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease; or
  • any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.

Do not use thioguanine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether thioguanine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking thioguanine.

How should I take thioguanine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Thioguanine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of thioguanine.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking thioguanine?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using thioguanine. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

What are the possible side effects of thioguanine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using thioguanine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
  • severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
  • low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
  • signs of infection --fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing.

Common side effects may include:

  • a weak immune system (infections, bleeding, bruising);
  • nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or
  • blisters or ulcers in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect thioguanine?

Other drugs may interact with thioguanine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about thioguanine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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