How to use
Thioguanine should be taken orally with a full glass of water. Follow the direction of your health care professional exactly. The amount and dosage schedule your doctor will prescribe you depends on many factors, such as your age, weight, height, general health and the type of cancer or condition that is being treated.

Do not stop taking Thioguanin even if you feel nauseous or have to vomit. If you have vomited shortly after taking Thioguanin, you should notify your physician immediately.

Overdose
Possible symptoms of a Thioguanin overdose include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Weakness

If you suspect you have taken too much Thioguanin, contact your local posion control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Thioguanine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not try to make up for a missed dose by doubling up.

Notes
Children are especially sensitive to the effects of Thioguanine. This may increase the chance of liver toxicity during treatment.

Certain types of food or alcohol may interact with Thioguanine. Discuss the possible interactions of Thioguanine and food, alcohol or tobacco with your health care provider before taking this medication.

Do not share this medication with others, as they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.

Using Thioguanine may temporarily lower your white blood cell count and thus increase the chance of infection. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain good hygiene.

Storage
Store Thioguanine at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important Note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you. 

* Illustrations are for graphic purposes only and the ordered medication may differ in appearance.

Precautions
Before taking Thioguanine, inform your doctor of any allergies you have.

Also discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you suffer or have suffered from:

• Thiopurine methyltransferase or TPMT (an enzyme deficiency)
• Chickenpox (including recent exposure)
• Herpes zoster (shingles)
• Gout
• Kidney stones
• Any type of infection
• A kidney or liver disease
• Tumors

Thioguanine is classed as Pregnancy Category D by the FDA, which means it could potentially harm an unborn baby. You should not use this medication when pregnant. While taking Tioguanine, you should use an adequate method of contraception.
It is not yet know whether Thioguanine passes into breast milk, so you should discuss the use of Thioguanine with your doctor when breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions
Before using Thioguanine, inform you doctor if you are using any of the following medications:

• Certain vaccines
• Busulfan
• Medicines to treat gout
• Aminosalicylate-type drugs (e.g. mesalamine, olsalazine, sulfasalazine)

This is only a partial list and other drugs may interact with Thioguanine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

When taking Thioguanine, you may experience any of the following common side effects:

• Black, tarry stools or light-colored stools
• Blood in urine or stools, dark urine
• Cough or hoarseness
• Fever or chills
• Lower back or side pain
• Painful or difficult urination
• Pinpoint red spots on skin, rash, hives
• Unusual bleeding or bruising, coughing up or vomiting of blood
• Abdominal or stomach pain, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness, fainting, unsual tiredness or weakness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat, swollen glands

Immediately inform your doctor if any of the following less common side effects occur:

• Joint pain
• Swelling of feet or lower legs
• Unsteadiness when walking
• Sores in mouth and on lips
• Yellow eyes or skin

After you stop the treatment with Thioguanine, some side effects may still occur. During this period of time, you should inform your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Black, tarry stools
• Blood in urine or stools
• Cough or hoarseness
• Fever or chills
• Lower back or side pain
• Painful or difficult urination
• Pinpoint red spots on skin
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Notify your doctor if you experience any other side effects than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.