Thioguanine, Oral

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is taken by mouth to treat some types of leukemia. Take it exactly as directed.
• You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine.
• Keep all appointments for tests to see how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)

Generic and brand names: thioguanine, oral; Tabloid

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat some types of leukemia. It is most often used along with other medicines that may be given by mouth or by injection.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• Gout
• Kidney disease or kidney stones
• Liver disease
• TPMT enzyme deficiency

Tell your healthcare provider if you currently have an infection of any kind. Also tell your provider if you have recently had chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.

How do I take it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine, and all other medicines, exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If you take other medicines, do not mix them with this one. Keep all your appointments.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children.

Changes in dosage may be required based on the results of frequent blood tests and other tests. Be sure you know the dosages and schedules involved in the treatment. Ask your healthcare provider if you don't understand. Drink several glasses of water each day while you are taking this medicine.

If you vomit shortly after taking a dose of this medicine, ask your healthcare provider whether you should take the dose again or wait until the next scheduled dose.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, tiredness, dizziness, sweating.

What should I watch out for?

You need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects your bone marrow. Keep all your appointments for tests.

When this medicine is prescribed for a child, an adult should watch closely for these symptoms and report them to the healthcare provider right away:

• Fever or chills
• Sore throat
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes
• Swelling in the feet or legs
• Stomach pain
• Joint pain

This medicine may lower the number of certain types of blood cells in your body. You may get infections or bleed more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from other people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have a fever or other signs of infection or any unusual bruising or bleeding.

This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not take aspirin without asking your healthcare provider first as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of your skin or eyes, light-colored bowel movements; swelling in your feet or legs, stomach pain, joint pain, black or tarry bowel movements, blood in the urine, dark urine, and any of the following that become severe: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or weakness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Aspirin and other salicylates
• Busulfan (Busulfex, Myleran)
• Clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo)
• Colitis medicines such as balsalazide (Colazal), mesalamine (Apriso, Canasa), olsalazine (Dipentum), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
• Echinacea
• Live vaccines
• Mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
• Other cancer medicines

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.