Oral Tioguanine

Oncology / Haematology Department

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Oral Tioguanine Leaflet PIAG M1 (323kB)

Introduction

This patient information leaflet provides information on the use of Tioguanine in children and young people with cancer.

What is Tioguanine?

Tioguanine is a chemotherapy medicine used in the treatment of certain types of cancer and leukaemia.

What preparations of Tioguanine are available?

Tioguanine is available as 40mg tablets. A liquid is also available, which contains Tioguanine 50mg/5ml.

Where can I get Tioguanine from?

Tioguanine should only be obtained from Alder Hey Hospital. Remember to bring it with you at each hospital visit (Alder Hey or local hospital).

How is Tioguanine given?

Take as directed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Tioguanine can be taken with food, milk / dairy products or on an empty stomach, but this should remain the same each day. Remember to take it at the same time each day in the evening.

Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets.

Liquid medicine should be measured in an oral syringe through a bung in the neck of the bottle (supplied by Pharmacy). Use a new syringe for each dose.

Handling and storage

• Keep out of reach and sight of children
• Keep out of direct sunlight
• Store at room temperature
• Handle as little as possible and always wear the gloves provided. (Please see section in your Family Held Record about How to give oral cytotoxic medicines

Side effects

It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to chemotherapy. Some will have very few side effects whilst others will have more.
The side effects listed below will not affect everyone who has Tioguanine and may be different if more than one chemotherapy drug is given.

What are the most common side effects?

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

• Reduced bone marrow function

What are the less common side effects?

• Diarrhoea If diarrhoea occurs which is not controlled, contact the Oncology / Haematology Unit.
• Nausea and Vomiting Anti-sickness drugs can be given to reduce or prevent these symptoms. Please contact the Oncology / Haematology Unit if sickness is not controlled.
• Temporary effect on liver function Tioguanine can cause changes to liver function. This should return to normal when the treatment is finished. If yellowing of the skin or eyes occurs contact the Oncology / Haematology Unit for advice. Blood tests may be taken to monitor liver function.
• Mouth ulcers The mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Please refer to the mouth care section in the Family Held Record.
• Taste changes Food may taste different. Normal taste will usually come back after the treatment finishes.
• Skin sensitivity Whilst taking Tioguanine you may become sensitive to sunlight, which can cause skin discolouration or a rash. Take care to limit exposure to sunlight, cover up with protective clothing and use sunscreen with a high protective factor.

Tests / investigations which may take place before, during or after treatment with Tioguanine

Full blood count / Oncology Profile

A full blood count will be done at each hospital visit. The dose of Tioguanine will be adjusted according to the result. The full blood count result and dose of Tioguanine will be recorded on an Oral Chemotherapy Record.

The oncology profile will usually be done once per cycle, and includes liver function tests to show how the liver is working.

Can Tioguanine be given with other medicines?

Some medicines can affect how well Tioguanine works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medication that is being taken, or before you start taking any new medication. This includes supplements and herbal medicines. All vaccinations should be discussed with your doctor first.

Is there anything else I should know about or do?

• Pregnancy and fertility

If the patient receiving Tioguanine is sexually active, it is vital that adequate contraception is used to prevent unplanned pregnancy during treatment. This applies to both males and females. If pregnancy is suspected, it is important that you speak to your consultant as early as possible

Contact the Oncology / Haematology Unit if:

• A dose of Tioguanine is forgotten.
• Vomiting occurs after taking the dose.
• Too much Tioguanine is given.

Any Tioguanine that has not been given should be returned to the hospital do not throw away at home.

Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about treatment. If you have any questions about Tioguanine please contact the Oncology/Haematology Unit. This leaflet should be read with any manufacturers’ patient information. You must always discuss individual treatment with the appropriate member of staff.

Further information is available on the following website. (This information may not include advice on use in children or young people).

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4654.pdf

Please note: Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is neither liable for the contents of any external internet site listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

PIAG: M1