Tioguanine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is Tioguanine used for?

Tioguanine is a drug for certain blood problems and blood cancers. This drug works by reducing the number of new blood cells your body makes.

This drug belongs to a group of drugs called cytotoxics (also called chemotherapy).

Thioguanine is a drug for acute (fast-growing) leukemia, especially types:

• myelogenous / acute myeloid leukemia (also called acute myeloid leukemia or AML) - a disease that develops rapidly by increasing the number of white blood cells produced by the bone marrow. This can lead to infection and bleeding
• acute lymphoblastic leukemia (also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia or ALL) - a disease that develops rapidly by increasing the number of immature white blood cells. Immature white blood cells cannot grow and function properly and cannot fight infection and can cause bleeding
• Chronic granulocytic leukemia (also called chronic myeloid leukemia or CML) - a disease that increases the white blood cell count. This condition can cause infection and bleeding

Ask your doctor if you want more explanation about this disease.

How do you use Tioguanine?

Thioguanine should only be given to you by a specialist who has experience in treating blood problems.

Always use Tioguanine as directed by your doctor. It is important to use your medication at the right time. The label on the package of your medicine will give you information on how many tablets to take and for how long to use. If the label doesn't provide this information or if you are unsure, check with the nurse, doctor or pharmacist.

Swallow the medicinal tablet directly with a glass of water.

If you need to split your tablet in half, do not inhale the tablet powder. Wash your hands afterwards.

When you use Tioguanine the doctor will perform routine blood tests. This test is to check the number and types of cells in your blood and to make sure your liver is working properly. Your doctor may sometimes change your dose as a follow-up.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Tioguanine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using Tioguanine?

Before using Tioguanine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

• You have used this medication for a long period of time. This can increase the chance of side effects, such as liver problems
• You have a condition in which your body produces too little of a substance called TPMT or 'thiopurine methyltransferase'
• You have 'Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome'. This is a rare inherited condition caused by a lack of a substance called HPRT or 'hypoxanthine-guanine-phosphoribosyltransferase'.

If you are unsure whether any of the above conditions occur to you, consult your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before using thioguanine.

Is Tioguanine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Tioguanine?

Like all other medicines, Tioguanine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult a specialist or go to the emergency room immediately:

• Signs of fever or infection (sore throat, sore mouth or problems urinating
• Sudden bruising or bleeding for no reason, as this could mean that too few certain blood cells are being produced
• If you suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature)
• The whites of the eyes or skin turn yellow (jaundice / jaundice).

Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects that can also occur with using this medication.

Very common (affects more than 1 in 10 people)

• Decrease in your blood cell count
• Jaundice and severe liver damage - with prolonged use or high doses of Tioguanine.

General (affects less than 1 in 10 people)

• Liver damage that can lead to jaundice or an enlarged liver (swelling under your ribs) - with short-term use of Tioguanine
• Feeling sick or sick (nausea or vomiting), diarrhea and mouth sores.

Rare (affects less than 1 in 1,000 people)

• Problems with your stomach, called intestinal necrosis, which can cause severe stomach pain, pain, diarrhea and fever due to severe liver damage when used with other chemotherapy drugs, oral contraceptives and alcohol.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What drugs can interfere with the action of the drug Tioguanine?

Although certain drugs should not be used at the same time, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if interactions are possible. In this case, your doctor may be able to change the dose or take other precautions that may be needed. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs on the market

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using or have recently used any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a doctor's prescription. This includes herbal medicines.

In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines

olsalzine or Mesalazin - used for intestinal problems called ulcerative colitis

sulfasalazine - used for rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the action of the drug Tioguanine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Tioguanine?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Tioguanine for adults?

The usual dose is 100-200 mg / m2 body surface area per day. If you have kidney or liver problems you may be given a lower dose of Thioguanine.

What is the dosage of Tioguanine for children?

Safety and effectiveness are not known in pediatric patients (less than 18 years).

In what dosages and preparations is Tioguanine available?

40 mg tablet

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.