PURINETHOL 50 MG 25 TB

Purinethol 50 mg 25 TB is a medication that contains mercaptopurine, an antimetabolite used in the treatment of various types of cancer and autoimmune disorders. Mercaptopurine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and suppresses the immune system.

How It Works

Mechanism of Action

Purinethol (mercaptopurine) functions through several mechanisms:

1. Inhibition of Nucleotide Synthesis:
   • Mercaptopurine inhibits the synthesis of purine nucleotides, essential building blocks for DNA and RNA. By disrupting this process, it slows down or stops the proliferation of cancer cells.
2. Interference with DNA Replication:
   • By mimicking purines, mercaptopurine gets incorporated into DNA and RNA, leading to the formation of faulty nucleic acids and preventing proper DNA replication.
3. Immunosuppressive Effects:
   • In addition to its anticancer effects, mercaptopurine suppresses the immune system by inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation, making it useful in treating autoimmune disorders.
4. Cell Cycle Disruption:
   • It specifically targets cells that are rapidly dividing, which includes cancer cells and certain immune cells, thereby reducing tumor growth and modulating immune responses.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and Vomiting:
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and occasional vomiting.
• Diarrhea:
  • Patients may experience diarrhea during treatment.
• Fatigue:
  • General feelings of tiredness or weakness are common.
• Loss of Appetite:
  • Reduced desire to eat, which can lead to weight loss.
• Mouth Sores:
  • Ulcers or sores in the mouth may develop.

Serious Side Effects

• Bone Marrow Suppression:
  • Decreased production of blood cells, leading to anemia, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), or leukopenia (low white blood cell count).
• Liver Toxicity:
  • Elevated liver enzymes or jaundice indicating liver dysfunction.
• Infection Risk:
  • Increased susceptibility to infections due to suppressed immune function.
• Pancreatitis:
  • Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain.
• Allergic Reactions:
  • Symptoms such as rash, itching, or swelling, particularly in severe cases.

Indications

Purinethol is indicated for:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL):
  • Used as part of the chemotherapy regimen for treating ALL in both children and adults.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML):
  • Often used in combination with other drugs for managing CML.
• Autoimmune Disorders:
  • Used off-label for conditions such as Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis, where immunosuppressive effects are beneficial.
• Other Cancers:
  • It may be used in combination with other agents for various other types of cancer based on individual patient needs.

Contraindications

Purinethol is contraindicated in:

• Pregnancy:
  • Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus, including teratogenic effects.
• Active Liver Disease:
  • Patients with severe liver impairment or active liver disease should avoid use.
• Severe Bone Marrow Depression:
  • Not suitable for individuals with existing severe bone marrow suppression.
• Hypersensitivity:
  • Known hypersensitivity to mercaptopurine or any components of the formulation.
• Gout:
  • Caution is required in patients with gout due to potential exacerbation of symptoms.

Price in Different Countries

Here is a table showing the approximate prices for Purinethol 50 mg in various countries, along with references:

Country	Price (Per 25 TB)	Reference
United States	$200 – $300	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£150 – £250	NHS UK
Canada	CAD $250 – $350	Health Canada
Australia	AUD $300 – $400	PBS Australia
India	₹15,000 – ₹20,000	Medlife

Top 5 Global Brands

1. Purinethol – Sanofi:
   • The original and well-known brand of mercaptopurine used in cancer and autoimmune treatments.
2. Mercaptopurine – Teva Pharmaceuticals:
   • A generic version of Purinethol, providing the same therapeutic benefits.
3. Puri-Nethol – Mylan:
   • Another generic alternative, offering similar efficacy for cancer treatment.
4. Leukeran – GlaxoSmithKline:
   • Though primarily a brand for chlorambucil, it is often compared with mercaptopurine in cancer treatment contexts.
5. Puril – Biocon:
   • A generic option available in various markets, providing interleukin-2 therapy for similar indications.