Mercaptopurine (Noun)
Meaning
A drug (trade name Purinethol) that interferes with the metabolism of purine and is used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- Mercaptopurine is often prescribed in combination with other chemotherapy medications to treat patients diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.
- The doctor explained to Sarah that the purpose of mercaptopurine in her treatment plan was to interfere with the growth of cancer cells.
- Clinical trials have shown that a combination of mercaptopurine and methotrexate can significantly improve the chances of remission in children with ALL.
- Mercaptopurine is usually taken orally in the form of a tablet, but it is essential to follow the exact dosage and administration instructions provided by a healthcare professional.
- Due to the potential side effects associated with mercaptopurine, patients must undergo regular blood tests throughout the duration of their treatment.