Adverse reaction caused by excipients in mercaptopurine tablets.

Ann Pharmacother. 2007 Sep;41(9):1548. Epub 2007 Jul 10. Links

Adverse reaction caused by excipients in mercaptopurine tablets.

Sims-McCallum RP.

During a routine visit, a 7-year-old boydiagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, reported that he had developed a red maculopapular rash after their pharmacy dispensed a different brand of 6-mercapiopurine tablets than the one he had previously taken. A list of excipients was obtained from each manufacturer. The main difference between the tablet formulations was the use of cornstarch. The mother pointed out that he had previously been tested by an allergist and it was determined that he was indeed allergic to cornstarch. This case demonstrates that inactive ingredients, as well as the medications themselves, are possible causes for allergic reactions. 
 

PMID: 17623756 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17623756