Advice

Following an abbreviated submission:

mercaptopurine 20mg/mL oral suspension (Xaluprine®) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland.

Indication under review: for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in adults, adolescents and children.

Mercaptopurine dosing is governed by cautiously monitoring haematotoxicity. The oral suspension and tablet formulations are not bioequivalent in terms of peak plasma concentrations and therefore careful haematological monitoring of the patient is advised on switching formulations.

Mercaptopurine oral suspension is more expensive than the tablet formulation.

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Medicine details

Medicine name:
mercaptopurine (Xaluprine)
SMC ID:
798/12
Indication:
For the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in adults, adolescents and children.
Pharmaceutical company
Nova Laboratories Ltd
BNF chapter
Malignant disease and immunosuppression
Submission type
Abbreviated
Status
Accepted
Date advice published
13 August 2012