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Thioguanine (Tioguanine)

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Antineoplastic Agent Cancer-related

Thioguanine (Tioguanine) - Dosage and How to Use

How should Thioguanine (Tioguanine) be used?

  • Thioguanine should be taken once daily in the evening, at the same time every day.
  • Thioguanine is available in tablet form.
  • To maximise absorption of Thioguanine, it should preferably be taken on empty stomach, i.e. either 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. However, if gastric discomfort is experienced whilst on Thioguanine, it may be taken with food. Please inform your pharmacist or doctor if you are doing so.
  • If dose prescribed is less than one tablet (for e.g. half tablet or quarter tablet), use a tablet-cutter to cut the tablets in a still-air room. If your child is unable to swallow the tablet, soak the tablet in small volume of water and allow it to dissolve before administering the dose.
    • Take precautions to avoid cytotoxic exposure: wear gloves and mask when handling the tablets. Please refer to “Safe Handling of Oral Cytotoxic Medications” for more details.
  • Your doctor may change the dosage of Thioguanine depending on blood tests results. Always follow the doctor’s instructions strictly, and record the dose taken daily on the form given to you. Do not stop taking Thioguanine unless you are told to do so by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

  • If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearer to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
  • Do not repeat dose if vomiting occurs after dose is administered, wait until the next scheduled dose. Contact the pharmacist or doctor if you repeatedly miss doses due to vomiting, even with the administration of anti-vomiting medicine.

What should I do if I overdose?

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