Purinetone Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Fertility: The effect of 6-mercaptopurine therapy on human fertility is unknown.
There are reports of successful fatherhood/motherhood after receiving treatment during childhood or adolescence.
Transient oligospermia has been reported following exposure to 6-mercaptopurine.
Pregnancy: Substantial transplacental and transamniotic transmission of 6-mercaptopurine and its metabolites from the mother to the foetus has been shown to occur.
The use of 6-mercaptopurine should be avoided whenever possible during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. In any individual case the potential hazard to the foetus must be balanced against the expected benefit to the mother.
As with all cytotoxic chemotherapy, adequate contraceptive precautions should be advised if either partner is receiving 6-mercaptopurine tablets, during treatment and for at least three months after receiving the last dose.
Studies of 6-mercaptopurine in animals have shown reproductive toxicity. The potential risk for humans is largely unknown.
Maternal exposure: Normal offspring have been born after 6-mercaptopurine therapy administered as a single chemotherapy agent during human pregnancy, particularly when given prior to conception or after the first trimester.
Abortions and prematurity have been reported after maternal exposure. Multiple congenital abnormalities have been reported following maternal 6-mercaptopurine treatment in combination with other chemotherapy agents.
Paternal exposure: Congenital abnormalities and spontaneous abortions have been reported after paternal exposure to 6-mercaptopurine.
Breast-feeding: 6-mercaptopurine has been detected in the breast milk of renal transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy with a pro-drug of 6-mercaptopurine. It is recommended that mothers receiving 6-mercaptopurine should not breast-feed.