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The essential guide to product selection
The essential guide to product selection
Thiopurine
Severe acute CD and maintenance of remission of Crohn’s and UC in adults and children 2–17 years old. Monitor blood tests as per local/national guidelines.
Hypersensitivity to mercaptopurine. Reduce dose in elderly. Caution in reduced thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) activity (measure before starting treatment), and in renal or hepatic impairment. Use while breastfeeding if benefits outweigh risks. Generally do not initiate in pregnancy (but may be continued). | Potential side effects: Bone marrow depression (dose-related); increased risk of infection; pancreatitis; low white blood cell and platelet count. Nausea early in treatment usually resolves without alteration in dose.
Oral tablet
Dose: 2–2.5mg/kg daily
50mg powder, £15.38; generic: 25mg tablets (28), £1.47; 50mg (56), £1.96