Leukin is indicated for maintenance therapy of acute lymphatic (lymphocytic, lymphoblastic) leukemiaas part of a combination regimen. The response to this agent depends upon the particular subclassification of acute lymphatic leukemia and the age of the patient (pediatric or adult). ... Read more Leukin is indicated for maintenance therapy of acute lymphatic (lymphocytic, lymphoblastic) leukemiaas part of a combination regimen. The response to this agent depends upon the particular subclassification of acute lymphatic leukemia and the age of the patient (pediatric or adult). Leukin is not effective for prophylaxis or treatment of central nervous system leukemia. Leukin is not effective in acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphatic leukemia, the lymphomas (including Hodgkins Disease), or solid tumors.
Mercaptopurine is a purine antagonist which is converted intracellularly into its active nucleotides, including thioinosinic acid. The nucleotides inhibit several reactions which ultimately interferes with nucleic acid synthesis and prevents the formation of RNA and DNA.
Crohn's disease: Adult: Initially 1-1.5 mg/kg daily, may increase to 125 mg daily. Child: Initially 1-1.5 mg/kg daily increased to a max of 75 mg daily Acute lymphocytic leukemia: Adult: Usual maintenance dose: Initially, 1.5-2.5 mg/kg daily as a single dose, usually used in combination with methotrexate. Dose may vary individually based on response and tolerance. Monitor blood counts at least once wkly. Withdraw treatment immedietely if there is a sharp drop in the white cell count or severe bone-marrow depression. May resume treatment slowly and carefully if white cell count remains constant for 2-3 days or rises. Reduce dose when used with allopurinol. Child: Usual maintenance dose: Initially, 1.5-2.5 mg/kg daily as a single dose, usually used in combination with methotrexate. Dose may vary individually based on response and tolerance. Monitor blood counts at least once wkly. Withdraw treatment immedietely if there is a sharp drop in the white cell count or severe bone-marrow depression. May resume treatment slowly and carefully if white cell count remains constant for 2-3 days or rises. Reduce dose when used with allopurinol.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Hyperuricaemia, bone marrow toxicity, hypoplasia, anorexia, diarrhoea, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, intestinal ulceration, crystalluria with haematuria, immunosuppression, interstitial pneumonitis. Cutaneous hyperpigmentation, alopecia.
Pregnancy and lactation. Prior resistance to mercaptopurine or thioguanine; severe liver disease; severe bone marrow suppression.
Anticoagulant action of warfarin may be inhibited by Leukin. Enhanced toxicity with myelosuppressive drugs.
Hepatic or renal dysfunction; monitor hepatic function periodically. Leukin is potentially carcinogenic. Thiopurine S-methyl transferase (TPMT) deficiency; porphyria.