Thioguanine Description

Generic Name : THIOGUANINE

Pronunciation : (thye oh gwah' neen)

Trade Name(s) : 6 - TG

Why it is prescribed: Thioguanine is chemotherapy that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. Thioguanine slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.

When it is to be taken: Thioguanine can be given alone or with other drugs. The dose that is used may depend on a number of things, including what the medicine is being used for, the patient's weight, and whether or not other medicines are also being taken. If you are taking thioguanine at home, follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . If you have any questions about the proper dose of thioguanine, ask your doctor.

How it should be taken: It is available in the form of yellow tablets, given orally. The tablets should be swallowed whole with plenty of water. Your stomach should be empty. The dose of thioguanine will be different for different patients.

Special Instruction :
1. Some other medicines can be harmful when you are having chemotherapy. Always tell your doctor about any other medicine you are taking.
2. You will see your doctor regularly while you have this treatment so that he/she can monitor the effects of the chemotherapy.
3. Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more or less of it, and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Taking too much may increase the chance of side effects, while taking too little may not improve your condition.
4. Thioguanine is sometimes given together with certain other medicines. If you are using a combination of medicines, make sure that you take each one at the right time and do not mix them. Ask your health care professional to help you plan a way to take your medicine at the right times.
5. While you are using thioguanine, your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids so that you will pass more urine. This will help prevent kidney problems and keep your kidneys working well.
6. Thioguanine sometimes causes nausea and vomiting. However, it is very important that you continue to take this medicine, even if you begin to feel ill. Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor . Ask your health care professional for ways to lessen these effects.

Side Effects :
1. This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding, and infection. This effect can begin about 7 days after the treatment has been given and usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy. Your blood count will then increase steadily and will have usually returned to normal within 21-28 days.
2. The extent to which your blood count is reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your doctor can advise you how likely it is that your blood count will be lowered by the chemotherapy. Your blood count will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is working.
3. If your temperature goes above 38C (100.5F), or you develop any unexplained bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway.
4. Raised levels of uric acid in the blood. A drug called allopurinol may be given to stop this happening. It may also help to drink plenty of fluids. While you are taking thioguanine your uric acid levels will be checked regularly by blood tests.
5. Nausea and vomiting. This is unusual, but if it does occur there are now very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or substantially reduce it. If it happens it may begin soon after the treatment is given and last for a few days. If it is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. He/she can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective.
6. Mouth sores and ulcers. If your mouth becomes sore, or you notice small ulcers, tell your doctor. S/he can prescribe suitable mouth care for you.
7. Diarrhea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let your doctor know if it is severe or persistent. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you do have diarrhea.

Other Precautions :
1. It is important to take your tablets at the right times. You must take them as directed by your doctor.
2. If your doctor decides to stop the treatment, return any remaining tablets to the pharmacist. Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them away.
3. If you forget to take a tablet do not take a double dose. Let the doctor know and keep to your regular dose schedule.
4. If you are sick just after taking the tablet let your doctor know as you may need to take another one. Do not take another tablet without first informing your doctor.

Storage Conditions :
1. Store them at room temperature in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
2. Keep out of the reach of children.
3. Store away from heat and direct light.
4. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
5. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children