Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Thioguanine is employed in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a form of cancer originating in the white blood cells. Classified as a purine analog, thioguanine operates by impeding the growth of cancer cells in the body, ultimately slowing down or arresting their proliferation.
Uses and Dosage
Thioguanine is available in tablet form for oral administration, typically taken once a day. The duration of treatment varies based on the specific drugs being used, your body’s response, and the type of cancer you are dealing with.
Take thioguanine consistently at approximately the same time each day.
Take thioguanine precisely as prescribed—avoid taking more or less of it or altering the frequency without your doctor’s approval.
Your doctor may adjust your thioguanine dosage during the course of your treatment, depending on its efficacy and the side effects you may encounter. Keep an open line of communication with your doctor about your experiences during the treatment.
Continue taking thioguanine even if you start feeling well, and refrain from discontinuing the medication without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite or weight
- sores in the mouth and throat
- headache
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- flu-like symptoms
- swelling of the stomach area
- stomach pain, particularly in the right part of the stomach
- swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
- bloody vomit
- black, tarry or bloody stools
- fever, sore throat, ongoing cough and congestion, or other signs of infection
- shortness of breath
- lightheadedness
Caution
- Before starting thioguanine, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, as the product may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other issues.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or certain enzyme disorders such as TPMT or NUDT15 deficiency.
- Thioguanine may increase the likelihood of infections or worsen existing infections. Avoid contact with individuals who may have easily transmissible infections, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or the flu. Consult your doctor if you are exposed to an infection or for more details.
- Inform your healthcare professional about your use of thioguanine before undergoing any immunizations or vaccinations.
- Steer clear of contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines, such as the flu vaccine administered through the nose.
- Exercise caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and be mindful of activities that may lead to cuts, bruises, or injuries to minimize the risk.
- As thioguanine can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may pose a threat to an unborn baby, pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should not handle the medication or breathe in the dust from the tablets. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. Reliable forms of birth control should be discussed with your doctor while using this medication, as becoming pregnant while on thioguanine is not recommended due to potential harm to the unborn baby. If pregnancy occurs, consult your doctor promptly to assess the risks and benefits of continuing the medication.
- It is unclear whether this drug passes into breast milk. Due to potential risks to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using thioguanine.
Form and Strength
Lanvis is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Lanvis tablet:
- 40 mg
FAQ
Is Lanvis a chemotherapy?
Yes. Lanvis is a chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Is Lanvis an immunosuppressant?
Lanvis, like other thiopurines, is cytotoxic to white cells; as a result it is immunosuppressive at lower doses and anti-leukemic/anti-neoplastic at higher doses.
Resources
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/tioguanine#:~:text=chronic%20myeloid%20leukemia.-,Mechanism%20of%20action,enzyme%20hypoxanthine%2Dguanine%20phosphoribosyl%20transferase
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/thioguanine-oral-route/description/drg-20066349
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/lanvis#google_vignette
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682099.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14103/thioguanine-oral/details
