Thioguanine

Thioguanine is used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells). Thioguanine is in a class of medications known as purine analogs. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Thioguanine is an antineoplastic anti-metabolite used in the treatment of several forms of leukemia including acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Anti-metabolites masquerade as purine or pyrimidine - which become the building blocks of DNA. They prevent these substances becoming incorporated in to DNA during the "S" phase (of the cell cycle), stopping normal development and division.

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and mouth sores may occur. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: joint pain/swelling, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, symptoms of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). This medication may decrease bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding.