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compositionComposition:MERCAPTOPURINE-10MG
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Prescription Medicine
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Mertabto 10 Tablet is used to treat blood cancer. It contains Mercaptopurine that works by inhibiting the growth, repair and multiplication of cancer cells. This medicine may sometimes cause side effects such as vomiting, nausea, low red blood cell count, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or inflammation of the mouth. Before taking this medicine, inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any other medication, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

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Written By Veda Maddala , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

MERCAPTOPURINE-10MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Mertabto 10 Tablet

Mertabto 10 Tablet is an oral prescription medication used primarily to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a type of blood cancer. It belongs to a group of medicines that work by slowing down or stopping the growth of abnormal cancer cells in the body. By controlling these abnormal cells, the medication helps patients achieve or maintain remission.

You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, typically once a day at the same time. It is crucial to take it consistently either always with food or always on an empty stomach to keep the level of medicine in your body steady. Some evidence suggests that taking milk or other dairy products close to your dose may reduce the absorption of mercaptopurine in some patients. Follow your prescribing doctor's or pharmacist's specific instructions regarding the timing of dairy products in relation to your medication.

While taking this medicine, some people may experience common side effects like nausea, mild stomach pain, or temporary hair thinning. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, such as signs of an infection, unexplained bruising, or yellowing of your eyes and skin.f

Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to it in the past. Before starting, talk to your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or genetic variations affecting TPMT or NUDT15, which influence how your body processes this medication. Testing for TPMT and NUDT15 variants is now recommended in many treatment guidelines, particularly because NUDT15 variants are more common in Asian populations, including Indians. Your doctor may arrange these tests before treatment to help determine the safest starting dose.

Certain medications, such as gout treatments, can dangerously increase the levels of Mertabto 10 Tablet in your body, so always share a complete list of your medicines with your pharmacist. Avoid drinking alcohol while on this treatment, as it can increase your risk of liver damage. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take this medicine due to the risk of harm to the baby, and elderly individuals may require close monitoring of kidney function.

Uses of Mertabto 10 Tablet

Mertabto 10 Tablet is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The detailed uses of Mertabto 10 Tablet are as follows:

  • Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: Mertabto 10 Tablet helps by stopping the growth of cancer cells in the bone marrow, allowing healthy blood cells to recover and keeping the cancer in remission.
  • Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: Mertabto 10 Tablet is widely used and, in some regions, is an approved treatment for maintaining remission in inflammatory bowel disease by reducing long-term inflammation when clinically appropriate.

Key Benefits

Mertabto 10 Tablet helps manage certain cancers and autoimmune conditions by slowing the growth of abnormal cells and reducing excessive immune activity. By controlling the underlying disease, it supports long-term health and improves quality of life.

  • Helps Maintain Remission in Leukaemia: By preventing the growth and multiplication of abnormal blood cells, Mertabto 10 Tablet helps keep leukaemia under control, allowing healthy blood cell production to recover and supporting long-term remission.
  • Supports the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: By suppressing an overactive immune response in the digestive tract, Mertabto 10 Tablet helps reduce inflammation, relieving symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and flare-ups.
  • Promotes Better Long-Term Disease Control: With regular use as prescribed, Mertabto 10 Tablet helps reduce disease activity, lowers the risk of relapse, and supports improved daily functioning and overall wellbeing.
Side effects of Mertabto 10 Tablet
  • Consume more protein-rich foods and healthy fats like beans, avocados, cheese, nuts and lean meats to minimize appetite.
  • Prefer foods high in fiber to help feel full for a long time.
  • If you have decreased appetite, eat only when you are hungry.
  • Eat several small meals or snacks all day.
  • Try to take only small sips of fluids while eating.
Overcome Medication-Induced Nausea: A 9-Step Plan
  • Inform your doctor about the nausea and discuss possible alternatives to the medication or adjustments to the dosage.
  • Divide your daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea.
  • Opt for bland, easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, plain rice, bananas, and applesauce.
  • Avoid certain foods that can trigger nausea, such as fatty, greasy, spicy, and smelly foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks.
  • Use ginger (tea, ale, or candies) to help relieve nausea.
  • Get adequate rest and also avoid strenuous activities that can worsen nausea.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication if your nausea is severe.
  • Record when your nausea occurs, what triggers it, and what provides relief to help you identify patterns and manage your symptoms more effectively.
To prevent, manage, and treat Constipation caused by medication usage, follow these steps:
  • Preventing Vomiting (Before it Happens)
  • Take medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This can help minimize side effects, including vomiting.
  • Having a small meal before taking your medication can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication along with your prescribed medication.
  • Managing Vomiting (If it Happens)
  • Try taking ginger in the form of tea, ale, or candy to help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
  • What to Do if Vomiting Persists
  • Consult your doctor if vomiting continues or worsens, consult the doctor for guidance on adjusting your medication or additional treatment.
  • Skin rash caused by allergies is due to irritants or allergens. Therefore, avoid contact with such irritants.
  • Consult your doctor for proper medication and apply an anti-itch medication. Follow the schedule and use the medication whenever needed.
  • Protect your skin from extreme heat and try to apply wet compresses.
  • Soak in the cool bath, which gives a soothing impact to the affected area.
Here are the 7 steps to manage Dizziness caused by medication:
  • Inform your doctor about dizziness symptoms. They may adjust your medication regimen or prescribe additional medications to manage symptoms.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions for taking medication, and take it at the same time every day to minimize dizziness.
  • When standing up, do so slowly and carefully to avoid sudden dizziness.
  • Avoid making sudden movements, such as turning or bending quickly, which can exacerbate dizziness.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help alleviate dizziness symptoms.
  • If you're feeling dizzy, sit or lie down and rest until the dizziness passes.
  • Track when dizziness occurs and any factors that may trigger it, and share this information with your doctor to help manage symptoms.

Directions for Use

  • Mertabto 10 Tablet can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
  • Swallow Mertabto 10 Tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not crush, break, or chew it.

How Mertabto 10 Tablet Works

Mertabto 10 Tablet contains mercaptopurine, which works as an antimetabolite, which means it mimics the natural building blocks that cells need to grow and multiply. Cancer cells and active immune cells require these building blocks to copy their DNA and divide. When these rapidly dividing cells mistake Mertabto 10 Tablet for a normal cell nutrient, they absorb it into their genetic material. Once inside, the medicine blocks the cells' ability to replicate their DNA. This action stops the abnormal cells from multiplying and causes them to die off. By targeting these fast-growing cells, the medication helps control blood cancer and reduces inflammation caused by an overactive immune system.
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Alcohol

Caution

Interaction of Mertabto 10 Tablet with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Mertabto 10 Tablet .

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Mertabto 10 Tablet is a category D pregnancy drug and is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months as it may cause harm to the foetus. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Mertabto 10 Tablet is contraindicated in breastfeeding women. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.

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Driving

Safe if prescribed

Mertabto 10 Tablet usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

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Liver

Caution

Take Mertabto 10 Tablet with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

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Kidney

Caution

Take Mertabto 10 Tablet with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

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Children

Caution

Mertabto 10 Tablet should be used with caution in children, especially in children below 6 years or with low body mass index as it may cause low blood sugar.

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Heart

Consult your doctor

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease before using Mertabto 10 Tablet . Your doctor will prescribe it only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

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Geriatrics

Consult your doctor

Limited information available for use of Mertabto 10 Tablet in elderly patients. Please consult your doctor.

What if I have taken an overdose of Mertabto 10 Tablet

If you take too much of this medicine, seek emergency medical attention immediately. An overdose can cause severe bone marrow damage and liver issues, which require urgent medical care.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Avoid dairy near dosing times: Some evidence suggests that milk and dairy products may reduce the absorption of mercaptopurine when taken at the same time. Follow the timing instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist regarding dairy intake around your dose.
  • Practice strict hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid crowds, and stay away from people who are sick, as this medicine lowers your body's ability to fight off infections.
  • Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your kidneys as they process and eliminate the medication.
  • Protect your skin from the sun: This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors.

Health Queries

What medications and treatment options are available for blood cancer?

Vikas Singh

Vikas Singh

M Pharmacy

Treatment for blood cancer has advanced significantly, offering highly effective and personalised options. Depending on your specific diagnosis, standard treatments include: Chemotherapy: Medications like cytarabine to destroy cancer cells. Targeted Therapy: Generic drugs like imatinib that block specific cancer growth signals. Immunotherapy: Treatments like rituximab that help your immune system recognise and fight cancer. Stem Cell Transplant: Replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy cells. Radiation: Using targeted energy to destroy cancer cells. Modern therapies are highly precise, aiming to cure or manage the condition long-term while maintaining your quality of life.
health query

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Mertabto 10 Tablet to start to work: The time required for Mertabto 10 Tablet to show its action is unknown. The time for which the effects of Mertabto 10 Tablet last: The duration of action for Mertabto 10 Tablet is clinically unknown.

What if you forget to take Mertabto 10 Tablet

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose at your regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of what to do after missing a dose.

Storage

• Store Mertabto 10 Tablet tablets at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Drug Warnings

  • Get regular blood tests: Your doctor will need to check your blood counts and liver function frequently to ensure the medicine is working safely.
  • Wear gloves when handling: Caregivers should avoid direct skin contact with the tablets by wearing disposable gloves, especially if a tablet is broken or damaged.
  • Avoid live vaccines: Do not receive live vaccines (such as the measles, mumps, rubella, or shingles vaccines) while taking this medicine, as your weakened immune system may not handle them well.
  • Use effective birth control: Both men and women should use highly reliable birth control during treatment and for a period after stopping, as this medicine can cause severe birth defects.
  • Watch for signs of bleeding: Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor to avoid cuts, as your body may bruise or bleed more easily.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • Allopurinol or febuxostat: Taking these gout medications with Mertabto 10 Tablet can dangerously increase the amount of this medicine in your blood, raising the risk of severe side effects. Your doctor will need to significantly lower your dose of Mertabto 10 Tablet if you must take these together.
  • Warfarin: This medicine may decrease the blood-thinning effect of warfarin, meaning your doctor will need to monitor your blood clotting times more closely.
  • Sulfasalazine or olsalazine: Taking these medicines alongside Mertabto 10 Tablet can increase the risk of bone marrow damage, leading to lower blood cell counts.
MercaptopurineBCG vaccine
Critical
MercaptopurineYellow fever vaccine
Critical

Drug-Drug Interactions

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MercaptopurineBCG vaccine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Mertabto 10 Tablet:
Co-administration of the BCG vaccine with Mertabto 10 Tablet together can increase the risk of infection.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Mertabto 10 Tablet with BCG vaccine is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor.
MercaptopurineYellow fever vaccine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Mertabto 10 Tablet:
Co-administration of the Yellow fever vaccine with Mertabto 10 Tablet can increase the risk of infection.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Mertabto 10 Tablet with the Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor.
MercaptopurineRotavirus vaccine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Mertabto 10 Tablet:
When Rotavirus vaccine is used together with Mertabto 10 Tablet, its effectiveness may be reduced.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Mertabto 10 Tablet with the Rotavirus vaccine is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor.
MercaptopurineTalimogene laherparepvec
Critical
How does the drug interact with Mertabto 10 Tablet:
Co-administration of Talimogene laherparepvec with Mertabto 10 Tablet can increase the risk or severity of side effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Mertabto 10 Tablet with Talimogene laherparepvec is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor.
MercaptopurineFebuxostat
Critical
How does the drug interact with Mertabto 10 Tablet:
Coadministration of Mertabto 10 Tablet with Febuxostat can increase the blood levels of Mertabto 10 Tablet.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Mertabto 10 Tablet with Febuxostat is not recommended, but it can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop using any medications without talking to your doctor.
MercaptopurineBaricitinib
Severe
How does the drug interact with Mertabto 10 Tablet:
Co-administration of Baricitinib and Mertabto 10 Tablet can raise the risk of serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, baricitinib can be taken with Mertabto 10 Tablet if prescribed by the doctor. However, if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, blood in your coughing fluid, weight loss, red or irritated skin, body sores, and discomfort or burning when you urinate, consult a doctor. Do not discontinue any medication without consulting a doctor.
MercaptopurineCertolizumab
Severe
How does the drug interact with Mertabto 10 Tablet:
Co-administration of Mertabto 10 Tablet with Certolizumab can increase the risk of infection.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Mertabto 10 Tablet and Certolizumab, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by a doctor. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately - fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, weight loss, pain or burning when you pee. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.
MercaptopurineMipomersen
Severe
How does the drug interact with Mertabto 10 Tablet:
Co-administration of Mipomersen and Mertabto 10 Tablet together can increase the risk of side effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Mertabto 10 Tablet with Mipomersen together can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. If you have any of these symptoms - fever, chills, joint pain, swelling, bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, bleeding, or liver damage, make sure to contact a doctor right away. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
MercaptopurineGolimumab
Severe
How does the drug interact with Mertabto 10 Tablet:
Co-administration of Mertabto 10 Tablet with Golimumab together can increase the risk of infection.

How to manage the interaction:
There may be a possibility of interaction between Mertabto 10 Tablet and Golimumab, but it can be taken if prescribed by a doctor. If you have any of these symptoms, contact a doctor right away. These symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and pain or burning when you pee. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
MercaptopurineRibavirin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Mertabto 10 Tablet:
Co-administration of Mertabto 10 Tablet and Ribavirin may raise the risk of side effects. This can make you more likely to develop anemia(lack of blood), bleeding problems, or infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although using Ribavirin and Mertabto 10 Tablet together may cause an interaction, they can be taken together if advised by a doctor. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms such as pale skin, tiredness, disorientation, fainting, unusual bleeding or bruises, fever, chills, sore throat and body aches. Do not stop taking any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • Milk and dairy products: Some evidence suggests that consuming milk or dairy products close to the time you take Mertabto 10 Tablet may reduce its absorption in some patients. Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice regarding whether dairy should be separated from your dose.
  • Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can significantly increase your risk of liver damage, so it should be avoided.
No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[CHEMOTHERAPY]

FAQs

Mertabto 10 Tablet is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (blood cancer).
Mertabto 10 Tablet contains Mercaptopurine that works by interfering with the production of genetic material (DNA and RNA) in the cancer cells that are essential for growth, repair and multiplication of cells. Thus, Mertabto 10 Tablet stops multiplication of abnormal cells and leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells.
Mertabto 10 Tablet may affect eggs or cause low sperm count. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Mertabto 10 Tablet if you are planning to become parents.
Mertabto 10 Tablet may increase sensitivity to sunlight or UV light. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to the sun for a long time or artificial light such as tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen before going out in the sun.
Mertabto 10 Tablet may cause low blood sugar levels in children below 6 years and those having low body weight. Therefore, use Mertabto 10 Tablet with caution in children and if you notice any symptoms such as dizziness, excessive sweating, confusion or nausea, please consult a doctor immediately.
If you are about to receive any vaccinations especially live vaccines such as measles vaccine, flu vaccine, BCG vaccine, etc., it is advised to inform your doctor that you are on treatment with Mertabto 10 Tablet as it may cause infections.
Mertabto 10 Tablet may increase the risk of infections. Therefore, consult your doctor if you notice any signs of infection such as urinary problems, chills, fever, cough, sore throat or mouth and avoid contact with people having cold, flu or infection.
Yes, Mertabto 10 Tablet is a chemotherapy drug. It belongs to the class of anticancer medications used to treat blood cancer (leukaemia), a condition in which the bone marrow produces excessive immature white blood cells. It works by inhibiting the production of DNA and RNA in cancer cells, which are essential for their growth and division. By disrupting this process, it prevents abnormal cells from multiplying, ultimately leading to their death.
Yes, Mertabto 10 Tablet may cause thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) as a side effect. This occurs due to its myelosuppressive effects, which suppress bone marrow activity. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood counts is advised during treatment with Mertabto 10 Tablet .
The side effects of Mertabto 10 Tablet include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, low red blood cell count, diarrhoea or inflammation of the mouth. Most of these side effects gradually resolve over time. However, consult the doctor if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.
Take Mertabto 10 Tablet with or without food as your doctor advises, preferably 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking milk or dairy products. Swallow it with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
No, Mertabto 10 Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months, as it may cause harm to the foetus. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Some evidence suggests that taking Mertabto 10 Tablet together with milk or other dairy products may reduce how well the medicine is absorbed. Follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist regarding whether you should separate dairy products from your dose. 
If you develop a fever, chills, or any other signs of an infection, contact your doctor immediately. This medicine lowers your white blood cell count, making it harder for your body to fight infections, which can become serious very quickly. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Mertabto 10 Tablet . Both alcohol and this medication can strain your liver, and combining them significantly increases the risk of severe liver damage. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Regular blood tests are essential because this medicine can lower your blood cell counts (white cells, red cells, and platelets) and affect your liver function. These tests allow your doctor to adjust your dose safely before any serious complications arise. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your test schedule.
Yes, mild or temporary hair thinning can occur while taking Mertabto 10 Tablet , though complete hair loss is less common than with other chemotherapy drugs. Your hair will typically grow back once the treatment is stopped. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if this is a concern for you.

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Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

A €“ 504, Shapath-4, B/S Hotel Crowne Plaza, Opp. Karnavati Club, S. G. Highway ,Ahmedabad 380 051 Gujarat
Other Info - MER0532
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