Buy Alkacel Melphalan 2 Mg Tablets Online - Melphalan
Free express shipping over $299 · Verified pharmaceuticals · Discreet packaging worldwide
OnlineMeds onlinemeds.org
Account Cart
Skip to enquiry form
Prescription only medicine

Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets

Mercaptopurine 5MG · Generic equivalent of Purinethol

Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets is a trusted medication containing Melphalan, designed for personal use under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Available for prescription-based international supply with discreet worldwide delivery.

Active ingredient
Mercaptopurine
Strength
5MG
Form
Tablet
Manufacturer
Alkacel
Made in
India
Prescription
Required

Generic equivalent of Purinethol — up to 80% less than the branded price

Our oncology team reviews every request personally and responds within 24 hours.
Verified pharmacy Genuine medication Tracked shipping Pharmacist-reviewed
Licensed Pharmacy View certifications
WHO-GMP Sourced Every medicine from a certified manufacturing facility
Dedicated Oncology Team Doctor + pharmacist review every order before dispatch
Worldwide Delivery UK · US · AU · EU · NZ — tracked and insured
About this medicine

What is Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets?

Mercaptopurine — also known as 6-MP — is a medicine used mainly in the maintenance phase of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a cancer that affects white blood cells. Maintenance therapy is the longest phase of ALL treatment, typically lasting two to three years. Its goal is to keep the cancer from returning after earlier treatment has put it into remission.

Mercaptopurine works by disrupting the ability of abnormal cells to copy their DNA, slowing their growth and helping to prevent relapse. It is taken by mouth, usually as a once-daily tablet.

Your oncology team will prescribe the exact dose based on your body surface area, blood counts, and genetic test results — particularly TPMT and NUDT15 enzyme activity. Never adjust your dose without speaking to your doctor first.

This page provides educational information to help you and your family understand this medicine. It does not replace the guidance of your oncologist or treatment team.

How it works

How does Mercaptopurine work?

Your body naturally makes building blocks called purines to produce new DNA whenever cells divide. Mercaptopurine is a 'false' purine — it looks similar enough to be taken up by leukaemia cells, but once inside it corrupts their ability to copy DNA and divide. Because leukaemia cells divide much more rapidly than most normal cells, they are disproportionately affected by this disruption.

Uptake

Mercaptopurine enters rapidly dividing leukaemia cells, where the enzyme HGPRT converts it into active thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN).

DNA disruption

6-TGN incorporates into the cancer cell's DNA and RNA, corrupting the genetic copying process and triggering repair mechanisms that signal the cell to stop dividing.

Cell arrest and death

Unable to replicate properly, abnormal leukaemia cells stop dividing and eventually die, reducing the risk of ALL relapse.

Uses

What is Mercaptopurine used for?

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) — Maintenance Phase

Indicated as part of combination maintenance therapy in adults and children. Typically combined with methotrexate. Usually follows remission induction and consolidation phases.

FDA EMA CDSCO
Crohn's Disease (off-label)

Used off-label for steroid-dependent or steroid-refractory Crohn's disease under gastroenterology supervision. Not FDA-approved for this indication but widely used in clinical practice.

Off-label
Ulcerative Colitis (off-label)

Similar to use in Crohn's disease. Always under specialist supervision.

Off-label

Only your oncologist can determine whether this medicine is right for your diagnosis. The above is for information only.

Dosage

How to take Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets

Your oncologist will prescribe your exact dose. The right dose for you depends on your weight, kidney and liver function, and — for some medicines — your genetic test results.

Always take exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel well.

Missed a dose? Take the missed dose on the same day as soon as you remember. If it is already the next day, skip the missed dose and continue your usual schedule. Never take two doses to make up for a missed one.

With food? Best absorbed on an empty stomach. Some evidence suggests cow's milk and dairy products may reduce absorption. Take at least one hour before or two hours after dairy. Swallow whole with water.

Important safety information

Safety & warnings

Please read this section before taking Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets and discuss any concerns with your oncologist.

Important: Bone Marrow Suppression (Myelosuppression)

Mercaptopurine can cause severe, potentially life-threatening suppression of bone marrow function, resulting in dangerously low levels of white blood cells (leukopenia), red blood cells (anaemia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia). Regular blood count monitoring is mandatory throughout treatment. Contact your treatment team immediately if you develop fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection.

Important: TPMT and NUDT15 Deficiency — Risk of Life-Threatening Toxicity

Patients with reduced or absent thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) or nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) enzyme activity are at greatly increased risk of severe, potentially fatal myelosuppression. Genetic testing (genotyping or phenotyping) is strongly recommended before starting mercaptopurine. Significant dose reductions are required for patients with reduced enzyme activity.

Common side effects

Side effects affect some people, not everyone. Most are manageable — let your treatment team know about anything that concerns you.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • Mouth sores (mucositis)
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Raised liver enzymes (AST/ALT)
  • Skin rash

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice:

  • Severe myelosuppression — very low blood counts Contact your treatment team immediately. You may need hospitalisation and blood transfusion support.
  • Signs of infection: fever ≥38°C, chills, rigors Go to A&E / Emergency Room immediately. Neutropenic sepsis is a medical emergency.
  • Unusual bruising, petechiae, or prolonged bleeding Contact your doctor or treatment team the same day.
  • Jaundice — yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools Stop the medication and contact your doctor immediately. This may indicate liver toxicity.
  • Severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis) Stop the medication and seek emergency medical attention.
  • Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (rare) Seek urgent medical review. Presents with abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, and jaundice.

Important: tell your doctor about these medicines

Taking Mercaptopurine with certain other medicines can be dangerous. Always tell every doctor, dentist, and pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.

  • Allopurinol (gout medicine) Critical

    Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that metabolises mercaptopurine. Combined use can increase mercaptopurine exposure by up to four times, causing potentially fatal toxicity.

  • Aminosalicylates (mesalazine, sulfasalazine, olsalazine) Major

    These drugs inhibit TPMT activity, potentially increasing mercaptopurine toxicity and the risk of severe myelosuppression.

  • Live vaccines (MMR, BCG, yellow fever, varicella, rotavirus, others) Critical

    Mercaptopurine suppresses the immune system. Live vaccines can cause serious or fatal infection in immunocompromised patients.

  • Other myelosuppressive drugs or radiation therapy Major

    Additive bone marrow suppression, increasing the risk of severe cytopenias.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Mercaptopurine is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category D. Evidence of fetal harm has been documented in humans, including congenital abnormalities and increased risk of miscarriage. Use during pregnancy should only occur when the potential benefit clearly outweighs the fetal risk, and only under close specialist supervision.

Mercaptopurine and its active metabolites are present in human breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. Discuss the timing of safe resumption of breastfeeding with your oncologist.

Mercaptopurine may impair fertility in both men and women. If fertility preservation is important to you, discuss sperm banking or egg / embryo cryopreservation with your treatment team before starting therapy — ideally before your very first dose.

For full prescribing information see: FDA Drug Label: Mercaptopurine Tablets (NDA #009053)

Storage

How to store Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets

Temperature

Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short-term excursions to 15–30°C are permitted.

Light & moisture

Keep container tightly closed. Protect from moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

Keep away from children

Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets at all times.

Safe handling

Mercaptopurine is a cytotoxic (cell-killing) medicine. Handle with care — do not crush or break tablets. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Return unused tablets to your pharmacy for safe disposal — do not flush or place in household waste.

Travelling

Carry in the original labelled container. Keep a copy of your prescription and a letter from your oncologist for customs. Some countries restrict the import of cytotoxic medicines — check with the relevant embassies well in advance of any international travel.

Reviewed for accuracy

Clinically reviewed content

Medical Reviewer

Oncology Specialist Pharmacist

The clinical information on this page has been reviewed by our oncology specialist team and is based on current FDA labelling, NCI Drug Information, and NHS guidelines. This information is educational and does not constitute medical advice.

Our commitment to you

How we support oncology patients

We understand that accessing the right cancer medicine can feel overwhelming. Here is what you can expect from us.

Personal oncology support

Every enquiry is reviewed by our oncology doctor and pharmacist team — not an automated system.

Genuine, verified medicine

Sourced exclusively from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers. Every batch is traceable from origin to your door.

Prescription checked before dispatch

We verify every prescription with our internal medical team. No shortcuts, no exceptions.

Cold-chain logistics

Temperature-sensitive medicines shipped with appropriate packaging to maintain integrity.

Discreet, plain packaging

No pharmacy branding or product name on the outer packaging.

Up to 80% less than branded

Generic oncology medicines contain the same active ingredient as the originator brand — at a fraction of the cost.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets a form of chemotherapy?

Yes. Mercaptopurine is classified as a chemotherapy drug — specifically an antimetabolite. It is used in the maintenance phase of ALL treatment, which typically lasts two to three years and aims to prevent the leukaemia from coming back. Your oncologist will explain exactly how it fits into your treatment plan.

[2] NCI Drug Information: Mercaptopurine

How long do I need to take Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets?

For ALL maintenance therapy, mercaptopurine is typically taken daily for two to three years as part of a combination regimen. The exact duration depends on your treatment protocol. Your oncologist will tell you the planned length and review it at each appointment. Never stop taking it without medical advice — stopping early can increase the risk of relapse.

[2] NCI Drug Information: Mercaptopurine

Should I take Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets with food?

Mercaptopurine is generally best absorbed on an empty stomach. Some evidence suggests that cow's milk and dairy products may reduce its absorption — take your dose at least one hour before or two hours after consuming dairy. Your pharmacist or oncologist will confirm the best timing for your specific regimen.

[1] FDA Drug Label: Mercaptopurine Tablets (NDA #009053)

What should I avoid while taking Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets?

Avoid allopurinol (a gout medicine) unless your doctor has specifically adjusted your dose — the combination can cause dangerous toxicity. Avoid live vaccines (such as MMR, BCG, yellow fever, and chickenpox) while on treatment. Tell every healthcare provider, dentist, and pharmacist that you are on mercaptopurine before any new medicine or vaccine is given.

What does the TPMT or NUDT15 test mean for my dose?

TPMT and NUDT15 are enzymes that break down mercaptopurine in your body. If you have reduced enzyme activity due to inherited genetic variants, the drug can build up to higher levels, significantly increasing the risk of serious bone marrow side effects. Your doctor may recommend a blood or saliva test before starting treatment, and will adjust your dose based on the result. This is a safety test — it does not mean the drug will not work for you.

[5] CPIC Guideline: Thiopurines and TPMT/NUDT15

Is there a generic version of Purinethol available?

Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets is a generic form of mercaptopurine — it contains the same active ingredient (mercaptopurine) as Purinethol. Generic medicines must meet the same regulatory standards for quality, safety, and efficacy as the branded originator product. The difference is cost, not clinical effect.

[1] FDA Drug Label: Mercaptopurine Tablets (NDA #009053)

What happens if I miss a dose of Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets?

Take the missed dose on the same day as soon as you remember. If it is already the next day, skip the missed dose and continue your usual schedule. Never take two doses to make up for a missed one. If you miss several doses, contact your treatment team for guidance — do not try to catch up on your own.

Can Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets cause hair loss?

Hair loss (alopecia) is not commonly associated with mercaptopurine as a standalone side effect. However, some degree of hair thinning may occur when it is used alongside other chemotherapy agents. Discuss any changes you notice with your treatment team.

[1] FDA Drug Label: Mercaptopurine Tablets (NDA #009053)

Will Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets affect my fertility?

Mercaptopurine may affect fertility in both men and women. If fertility preservation matters to you, discuss sperm banking, egg freezing, or embryo freezing with your treatment team before starting therapy — ideally before your first dose. Do not assume fertility will be unaffected.

[1] FDA Drug Label: Mercaptopurine Tablets (NDA #009053)

Can I drink alcohol while taking Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets?

It is generally advisable to avoid or minimise alcohol during mercaptopurine treatment. Alcohol adds additional stress to the liver, and mercaptopurine itself can cause liver toxicity. Speak with your oncologist about what is safe for your individual situation.

Can I travel internationally with Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets?

Yes, but plan carefully. Carry the medication in its original labelled packaging. Bring a letter from your oncologist confirming your treatment and a copy of your prescription. Some countries restrict the import of cytotoxic medicines — check with the relevant embassies well in advance. Maintain recommended storage temperature during travel, particularly in hot climates.

How do I order Alkacel Melphalan 2 mg Tablets safely from OnlineMeds?

OnlineMeds.org supplies prescription medicines only. Add the product to your cart, then upload a valid prescription from a licensed oncologist at checkout. Orders are not dispatched until the prescription has been reviewed and verified by our pharmacist team. We do not supply mercaptopurine or any prescription medicine without a valid prescription.

Sources

References

  1. 1. FDA Drug Label: Mercaptopurine Tablets (NDA #009053). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/009053s036lbl.pdf U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed [DATE — TO FILL].
  2. 2. NCI Drug Information: Mercaptopurine. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/mercaptopurine National Cancer Institute. Accessed [DATE — TO FILL].
  3. 3. NHS: Mercaptopurine. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/mercaptopurine/ NHS England. Accessed [DATE — TO FILL].
  4. 4. MedlinePlus: Mercaptopurine. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682099.html U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed [DATE — TO FILL].
  5. 5. CPIC Guideline: Thiopurines and TPMT/NUDT15. https://cpicpgx.org/guidelines/guideline-for-thiopurines-and-tpmt-and-nudt15/ Clinical Pharmacogenomics Implementation Consortium. Accessed [DATE — TO FILL].
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional — specifically your oncologist — before starting, changing, or stopping any medication. Information is based on NDA #009053, NCI Drug Information, and NHS patient information.
Editorial policy Privacy policy Terms & conditions
Shopping cart
Close
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept
Shop
0 items Cart
My account