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Generic Purinethol
It is possible to get Purinethol (mercaptopurine) as a generic product. These generic versions come as tablets and are available in one strength (50 mg). The Food and Drug Administration has determined that these generic Purinethol products are equivalent to the brand-name medicine. However, the generics may contain different inactive ingredients than the brand-name drug.
from eMedTV.comPurinethol® (mercaptopurine) is a prescription medication used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (also known as acute lymphatic leukemia). It comes in the form of a tablet that is taken by mouth.
Purinethol is made by DSM Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for Teva Biologics and Specialty Products. It is no longer protected from generic competition by patents and is available as a generic medication.
Generic Purinethol is available in one strength and form: Mercaptopurine 50-mg tablets.
Generic Purinethol is made by a few different companies, such as:
- Roxane Laboratories
- Prometheus Labs
- Mylan.
All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns each generic a rating.
An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic Purinethol versions currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Purinethol.
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD