Thioguanine
About
Thioguanine belongs to the class of medicines called anticancer drugs used in the treatment of certain types of blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Blood cancer also known as leukaemia is the cancer of blood cells. It causes excessive production of immature white blood cells by the bone marrow.
Thioguanine contains Thioguanine which works by inhibiting the production of genetic material (DNA and RNA) in the cancer cells that are essential for the growth, repair and multiplication of cells. Thus, Thioguanine stops the multiplication of abnormal cells and leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells.
Take Thioguanine as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Thioguanine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience vomiting, nausea, mouth ulcers, enlarged liver, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or hyperuricaemia (excess uric acid levels in the blood). Most of these side effects of Thioguanine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Thioguanine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Thioguanine if you are pregnant as it may harm the foetus. You are advised to use effective contraceptive methods while using Thioguanine to prevent pregnancy. You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with Thioguanine as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as Thioguanine may cause sensitivity to sunlight. You are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out.
Uses of Thioguanine
Medicinal Benefits
Thioguanine contains Thioguanine used in the treatment of certain types of blood cancers. Thioguanine inhibits the production of genetic material (DNA and RNA) in the cancer cells that are essential for the growth, repair and multiplication of cells. Thus, Thioguanine stops the multiplication of abnormal cells and leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Thioguanine
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Mouth ulcers
- Enlarged liver
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Hyperuricaemia (excess uric acid levels in the blood)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Thioguanine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Thioguanine if you are pregnant as it may harm the fetus. You are advised to use effective contraceptive methods while using Thioguanine to prevent pregnancy. You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with Thioguanine as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Thioguanine may increase the risk of infections. Therefore, consult your doctor if you notice any signs of infection such as urinary problems, sore throat, or mouth. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as Thioguanine may cause sensitivity to sunlight. You are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out. If you are about to receive any vaccinations, inform your doctor that you are taking Thioguanine as it may cause infections.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Thioguanine may interact with medicines used to treat ulcerative colitis (mesalazine, olsalazine), anti-inflammatory drugs (sulfasalazine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Thioguanine may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol consumption with Thioguanine as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have TPMT (thiopurine methyltransferase) deficiency, an inherited mutation in the NUDT15-gene (a gene involved in the breakdown of mercaptopurine in the body), Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (a genetic condition), kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Thioguanine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Thioguanine as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy
unsafeThioguanine is a category D pregnancy drug and is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the foetus. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionThioguanine is given to breastfeeding mother only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedThioguanine usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Thioguanine with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Thioguanine with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionThioguanine should be used in children only if advised by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and low-fat proteins like lean meats, fish and poultry.
- Drink plenty of water daily while taking Thioguanine as some cancer therapies may cause dehydration.
- Exercise regularly and maintain healthy body weight.
- Regularly wash your hands and avoid contact with people having infections.
- Quit smoking.
Special Advise
Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Thioguanine to monitor the number and type of cells in the blood and also liver functioning.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acute myeloid leukemia: It is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It abnormally increases the number of immature white blood cells. The symptoms include unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating, bone pain, frequent nosebleeds, heavier than normal periods in females, and shortness of breath. The risk factors include smoking, genetic or blood disorders.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia: It is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It increases the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The symptoms include fever, enlarged liver, bone or joint pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and bleeding from gums or bruises.
FAQs
Thioguanine contains Thioguanine that works by inhibiting the production of genetic material (DNA and RNA) in the cancer cells that are essential for growth, repair and multiplication of cells. Thus, Thioguanine stops the multiplication of abnormal cells and leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells.
Thioguanine may harm eggs or sperm. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Thioguanine if you are planning to become parents.
If you are about to receive any vaccinations especially live vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella and polio vaccines, it is advised to inform your doctor that you are on treatment with Thioguanine as it may cause infections.
Thioguanine may increase sensitivity to sunlight and cause rash or discolouration of the skin. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to the sun for a long time. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen before going out in the sun.
Thioguanine may increase the risk of infections. Therefore, consult your doctor if you notice any signs of infection such as urinary problems, chills, fever, cough, sore throat or mouth and avoid contact with people having cold, flu or infection.
