Mercaptopurine 50 MG (Leukin)

Product Name : Mercaptopurine
Generic Name : Leukin
Formulation : Tablet
Available Pack Size : 3×10 ’s
Available Strengths : 50 mg
Registrations : Bangladesh

Product Information

Leukin (Mercaptopurine) 50mg is an oral purine antagonist (thiopurine antimetabolite) used as part of combination maintenance therapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in paediatric and adult patients. It works by being converted intracellularly into active thioguanine nucleotides, including thioinosinic acid, which interfere with purine synthesis and block the formation of RNA and DNA, halting the proliferation of rapidly dividing leukaemic cells. Manufactured by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC, Bangladesh and globally supplied by Mediaid Pharmacy with worldwide shipping.

Basic Product Information of Leukin (Mercaptopurine) 50mg

Brand Name Leukin (Mercaptopurine)
Generic Name Mercaptopurine INN
Drug Class Purine Antagonist (Thiopurine Antimetabolite)
Available Strength 50mg
Formulation Tablet
Pack Size 30 Tablets (3 Strips of 10 Tablets)
Primary Indication Maintenance Therapy of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
Regulatory Approvals USFDA Approved (ALL Maintenance Therapy, Adult and Paediatric).
Originator Brand Purinethol by Teva/GSK (originally developed by Wellcome)
Manufacturer Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Global Supplier Mediaid Pharmacy, Worldwide Shipping Available
Registration Registered in Bangladesh
Storage Conditions Store below 30 degrees Celsius. Keep in a dry place away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

How Leukin (Mercaptopurine) Works

Leukin contains Mercaptopurine, a purine antagonist that closely resembles the natural purine bases used to build DNA and RNA. Once inside the cell, Mercaptopurine is converted by cellular enzymes into active thioguanine nucleotides, including thioinosinic acid. These active metabolites are incorporated into cellular processes in place of natural purines, disrupting several key reactions involved in purine synthesis and interconversion.

By interfering with these pathways, Leukin ultimately blocks the formation of new RNA and DNA, which is particularly damaging to rapidly dividing cells such as leukaemic blasts. This makes Leukin an effective component of maintenance chemotherapy regimens for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, typically used alongside other agents such as methotrexate to sustain remission achieved during earlier phases of treatment.

Leukin is taken as an oral tablet, with the dose individualised based on body weight, blood count response, and the patient’s genetic capacity to metabolise thiopurine drugs safely.

Indication for Leukin (Mercaptopurine)

Leukin (Mercaptopurine) is indicated for the following condition:

Maintenance Therapy of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)

For maintenance therapy of acute lymphatic (lymphocytic, lymphoblastic) leukaemia, as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen, in both paediatric and adult patients. Response depends on the specific subclassification of ALL and the age of the patient. Leukin is not effective for the prophylaxis or treatment of central nervous system leukaemia, and is not effective in acute myelogenous leukaemia, chronic lymphatic leukaemia, lymphomas (including Hodgkin’s disease), or solid tumours.

Benefits of Leukin (Mercaptopurine) 50mg

Cornerstone of ALL Maintenance

Leukin has been a standard, well-established component of ALL maintenance chemotherapy for decades, with a long track record supporting long-term remission.

Convenient Oral Tablet

Leukin is taken as an oral tablet, allowing maintenance therapy to continue on an outpatient basis over the extended treatment period ALL maintenance requires.

Suitable for Children and Adults

Leukin is used in both paediatric and adult ALL maintenance regimens, with dosing individualised for each patient’s age, weight, and treatment protocol.

Affordable Alternative to Purinethol

Leukin contains the same active ingredient as Purinethol, at a significantly lower cost, making long-term ALL maintenance therapy more financially accessible.

Combination Therapy Compatible

Leukin is designed to be used alongside other maintenance agents such as methotrexate, fitting directly into standard ALL maintenance protocols.

WHO-GMP and cGMP Certified

Produced by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC under strict WHO-GMP, cGMP, and ISO-certified manufacturing standards, ensuring every batch of Leukin meets consistent quality, safety, and efficacy requirements.

How to Take Leukin (Mercaptopurine)

Route: Oral, taken on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals), swallowed with a full glass of water. Do not take with dairy products or milk, as they may reduce the drug’s effectiveness.

Standard dose: The dose of Leukin is individualised based on body weight, body surface area, and the specific ALL maintenance protocol prescribed, and is closely adjusted according to regular blood count results. Always follow your oncologist’s exact instructions and never adjust the dose yourself.

Fluid intake: Maintain adequate fluid intake throughout treatment to help reduce the risk of crystalluria (crystal formation in the urine).

Missed dose: If a dose is missed, contact your oncology team for guidance rather than taking a make-up dose on your own, as timing within the overall maintenance protocol matters.

Hepatic or renal impairment: Requires periodic monitoring of hepatic function; dose adjustment may be needed in patients with hepatic or renal dysfunction, as directed by the prescribing physician.

TPMT/NUDT15 status: Patients with reduced thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) or NUDT15 enzyme activity are at significantly higher risk of severe, potentially life-threatening myelosuppression at standard doses; genetic testing or phenotyping before starting treatment, where available, can help guide a safer starting dose.

Paediatric use: Leukin is used in paediatric ALL maintenance protocols, with dosing determined by a paediatric oncology specialist based on the specific treatment regimen.

Prescription Medication. Leukin carries important risks of bone marrow suppression (which may be severe and is often dose-limiting), hepatotoxicity, and immunosuppression with increased susceptibility to infection. Leukin is potentially carcinogenic with long-term use. Leukin is contraindicated in patients with prior resistance to mercaptopurine or thioguanine, severe liver disease, or severe bone marrow suppression, and is not recommended during pregnancy. Leukin must only be prescribed and closely monitored by an oncologist experienced in managing ALL maintenance chemotherapy.

Monitoring and Dosage Adjustments

Regular monitoring is essential throughout Leukin treatment. Your oncology team will monitor complete blood counts frequently, including white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin, to detect myelosuppression early and guide dose adjustments. Monitoring also includes periodic liver function tests, given the risk of hepatotoxicity, and assessment for signs of infection due to immunosuppression. Report any fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, persistent fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or signs of infection to your oncology team immediately.

Drug Interactions and Important Information

The combination of Leukin with allopurinol is potentially fatal if not properly managed, as allopurinol inhibits the enzyme that breaks down Mercaptopurine, significantly increasing its effect; the Leukin dose must be substantially reduced (commonly to around 25 to 33% of the usual dose) if this combination cannot be avoided. Other hepatotoxic drugs, such as doxorubicin, can potentiate liver toxicity when combined with Leukin, and combined use with other myelosuppressive drugs increases the risk of severe blood count suppression.

Leukin may inhibit the anticoagulant action of warfarin; monitoring of clotting status is advised if these are used together. Leukin is not recommended during pregnancy, and it is not known whether it passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. Always inform your physician of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking before starting Leukin.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common Side Effects

Anorexia (decreased appetite)

Nausea and diarrhoea

Hyperuricaemia (elevated uric acid)

Cutaneous hyperpigmentation

Hair thinning (alopecia)

Elevated liver enzymes

Serious Warnings and Precautions

Bone marrow suppression, including leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, which can be severe.

Hepatotoxicity, including bone marrow and hepatic toxicity requiring periodic monitoring.

Intestinal ulceration and crystalluria with haematuria.

Interstitial pneumonitis (rare).

Potentially carcinogenic with long-term thiopurine use.

Not recommended during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category D) or breastfeeding.

Who Should Use Leukin (Mercaptopurine)?

Leukin is suitable for paediatric and adult patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia who are in the maintenance phase of a combination chemotherapy protocol, following induction and consolidation therapy. It is prescribed by haemato-oncologists and paediatric oncologists experienced in managing ALL treatment protocols. A thorough medical assessment including baseline blood counts, liver function, and, where available, TPMT or NUDT15 status is recommended before initiating treatment.

Manufacturer: Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC

Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer based in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, and the number one oncology and specialty medicine company in the country. Beacon is the first company in Bangladesh to export cancer drugs and currently exports to Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Beacon operates under strict WHO-GMP, cGMP, and ISO-certified standards, and Leukin has been a longstanding part of its core oncology portfolio, offering an affordable and bioequivalent alternative to Purinethol at a fraction of the cost.

Global Supplier: Mediaid Pharmacy with Worldwide Shipping

Mediaid Pharmacy is a trusted global supplier of specialty and oncology medications. We ensure Leukin (Mercaptopurine) is accessible to patients and healthcare providers worldwide through reliable worldwide shipping. Whether you are located in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, or beyond, Mediaid Pharmacy provides fast and reliable delivery with full order support. Contact us directly via WhatsApp, phone, or WeChat for pricing, availability, and delivery enquiries.

Why Choose Leukin (Mercaptopurine) from Mediaid Pharmacy?

Leukin remains a cornerstone of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia maintenance therapy, decades after its introduction. As the generic equivalent of Purinethol, it delivers the same active ingredient, Mercaptopurine, with the same proven purine antagonist mechanism at a dramatically more affordable price. Manufactured by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC under WHO-GMP and cGMP standards, and distributed globally by Mediaid Pharmacy, Leukin gives patients and families worldwide access to essential ALL maintenance therapy without the financial burden of brand-name alternatives. For patients and physicians seeking a proven, affordable, and accessible Mercaptopurine option with worldwide delivery, Leukin from Mediaid Pharmacy is the trusted choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leukin (Mercaptopurine)

What is Leukin (Mercaptopurine) used for?

Leukin (Mercaptopurine) is used as part of combination maintenance therapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in children and adults, following initial induction and consolidation chemotherapy. It works by blocking purine synthesis, preventing rapidly dividing leukaemic cells from forming new DNA and RNA.

How should I take Leukin (Mercaptopurine)?

Leukin is taken orally, on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals), away from dairy products. The dose is individualised based on body weight and regular blood count monitoring, as part of a defined ALL maintenance protocol. Always follow your oncologist’s exact instructions.

What strength is Leukin available in?

Leukin is available in a 50mg tablet, supplied in a pack of 30 tablets (3 strips of 10). The exact number of tablets taken per dose depends on the patient’s weight and the specific maintenance protocol prescribed.

Is Leukin the same as Purinethol (Mercaptopurine)?

Yes. Leukin is the generic equivalent of Purinethol. Both contain the same active ingredient, Mercaptopurine, and work through the same purine antagonist mechanism. Leukin is manufactured by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC in Bangladesh and offers the same clinical mechanism as Purinethol at a significantly lower cost.

What are the side effects of Leukin (Mercaptopurine)?

Common side effects include decreased appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, and skin darkening. Serious but expected risks include bone marrow suppression (often the dose-limiting side effect) and liver toxicity, both of which require regular blood test monitoring. Always consult your oncology team for a complete assessment of your individual risks and benefits before starting treatment.

Can Leukin be used with other medications?

Leukin has a potentially fatal interaction with allopurinol, requiring a substantial dose reduction if the combination cannot be avoided. Other hepatotoxic drugs and myelosuppressive medications can increase Leukin’s toxicity. Always inform your physician of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Leukin.

Is Leukin (Mercaptopurine) safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No. Leukin is not recommended during pregnancy, as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby, though it may rarely be used in life-threatening situations where the benefits outweigh the risks, at the physician’s discretion. It is also not recommended during breastfeeding. Please consult your physician before starting treatment if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can I order Leukin (Mercaptopurine) online with worldwide shipping?

Yes. Mediaid Pharmacy supplies Leukin (Mercaptopurine) 50mg globally with worldwide shipping. Contact us via WhatsApp, phone, or WeChat at +8801773428128 or email us at info@mediaidpharmacy.com to enquire about pricing, availability, and delivery to your country.

Order Leukin (Mercaptopurine) 50mg with Worldwide Shipping

Phone / WhatsApp / WeChat: +8801773428128 | Email: info@mediaidpharmacy.com

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