75mg Mercaptopurine

[Auds5]

Hi. My Consultant has just increased my Mercaptopurine from 50mg to 75mg. I've just received my tablets from the Pharmacy and have been given 50mg tablets to break in half.

My understanding was that these tablets aren't meant to be broken. Does anyone else have to break theirs in half?

[jojokarak]

I would ring the chemist and demand the 25mg or ring your consultant and let them know ...... it's not safe breaking tablets up

[Auds5 in reply to jojokarak]

Hi jojokarak. Thank you for quick response and I will contact the Pharmacy. I thought the same about breaking tablets but thought I was being over cautious. You have confirmed my concerns so thanks again.

[jojokarak in reply to Auds5]

No worries I hope you get it sorted x

[LAJ123]

Hi,

You are absolutely right to question this. Because of the nature of these tablets, you should be very careful about how you handle and use this medication. I've looked at the patient leaflet and it clearly states that you should not crush or break the tablets.

" Swallow your tablets whole. Do not chew the tablets. The tablets should not be broken or crushed. If you or your caregiver does handle broken tablets, wash the hands immediately. "

medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...

I would contact the pharmacy where the medication was dispensed and ask for advice.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[Auds5 in reply to LAJ123]

Thank you Jim. I thought I was being OTT about it and you have just confirmed my concerns. I found it strange that the Pharmacy hadn't spilt them as they would have a pill cutter to so. I will contact them. Thank you again.

[Hidden in reply to Auds5]

I am surprised the pharmacy did not catch that before they sent the pills.

Ah well, just goes to show being your own patient advocate is ongoing, and a reminder to me to check, check, check and read up on new meds and whenever the meds he/we get have a change in manufacturer.

Best wishes,

Mary

[Hidden in reply to LAJ123]

Wow - good answer Jim!

🇧🇧

[goonergal]

They're only available as 50mg tablets. It's fine for you to break them in half as long as no one else touches them.

[LAJ123 in reply to goonergal]

It is available in liquid form.

medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

Jim

[Auds5 in reply to goonergal]

Thanks for that goonergal, that's what my Consultant advised as well. Take care.

[Auds5]

Thank you to all who replied to my post and as you advised I contacted the Pharmacist who advised me to speak to my Consultant as he wasn't happy to cut the tablets in half.

My Consultant said they only come in 50mg and to use a pill cuter and to wash hands and cutter after use. Or I could get it in liquid form.

Thanks again for all your help.