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Mercaptopurine with Children in House


Thu, December 15, 2022 11:10 PM

Hi everyone,

I was just prescribed mercaptorpurine for Crohn's.  I have very young children and the handing directions for mercaptorine (e.g., found in sweat, avoid using around fans/vents, absorbed through skin, etc.). are quite concerning given how young children run everywhere, play on every surface, climb all over you, etc.  I want to take an effective medicine, but not at the risk of my children's health.

Does anyone have experience with these concerns or have asked similar questions of their doctor about safely managing it in the home with young children?

FPO Aperson1
Joined Dec 2, 2022

Mon, March 20, 2023 9:06 AM

Reply posted for Aperson1.

I take this medicine and I have four kids my kids never had any problems I've been on this medication for years Mercaptopurine can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

  • If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.
  • Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
  • Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.
  • Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.
  • Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
  • Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur

FPO gameofcrohns42
Joined May 11, 2023

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