Merkaptoethane Sulfonate Sodium
Purixan is a brand-name medication containing the active ingredient mercaptopurine, an immunosuppressant and antimetabolite. It is primarily used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), particularly as part of maintenance therapy regimens, and may also be used for certain inflammatory bowel diseases.
Purixan is an immunosuppressant medication used primarily to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and certain inflammatory bowel conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1536485
- Generic
- Purixan
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Purixan is primarily used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), especially in the maintenance phase of therapy. It may also be prescribed for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, when other treatments have not been effective.
Purixan is a purine analog that interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells. It gets incorporated into DNA and RNA strands, disrupting normal cell division and inhibiting the proliferation of abnormal cells.
Regular blood tests are required to monitor blood cell counts and liver function due to risks of bone marrow suppression and hepatotoxicity. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications and supplements, as many drugs can interact with mercaptopurine. Pregnant women should avoid handling this medication, and breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy