Mercaptopurine

BNF:: 8.1.3
Status:: Red, Amber
Decision Date:: None

Comments

RED:^1,2,3 If indicated for cancer

AMBER:^1,2 2nd line where azathioprine CI or not tolerated and where indicated as per shared care - See shared care guideline for immunomodulating drugs

Red Drug Classifications

1: Requiring specialist assessment to enable patient selection, initiation and ongoing treating
2: Requiring long term on-going monitoring of efficacy by a specialist and not suitable for shared care
3: Requiring long term on-going monitoring of toxicity by a specialist (either because of difficulty in recognising side effects or high cost of investigations to identify toxicity)

Amber Drug Classifications

1: Requiring specialist assessment to enable patient selection and initiation of treatment
2: Requiring short or medium term (e.g. 3-6 months) specialist monitoring of efficacy or until the patient is stable