Comparing Mercaptopurine vs Methotrexate

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
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Mercaptopurine

Methotrexate

Prescribed for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. May also be prescribed off label for Crohn's Disease - Maintenance, Crohn's Disease - Acute, Autoimmune Hepatitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Intestinal... View more

Methotrexate may be considered for the treatment of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if other treatments have failed. It may also be used in certain cancers. Side effects can be severe and... View more

Prescription only

Commonly reported side effects include: increased liver enzymes.

See the full methotrexate side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	25 tablet
Dosage	50 mg
Per Unit^*	$2.84
Cost^*	$70.89

View all mercaptopurine prices

Quantity	20 each
Dosage	2.5 mg
Per Unit^*	$2.69
Cost^*	$53.89

View all methotrexate prices

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral tablet

Injectable powder for injection
Injectable solution
Oral tablet

Brand Names

Purinethol, Purixan Methotrexate LPF Sodium, Otrexup, Rasuvo, RediTrex, Trexall, Xatmep

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

2 hours

12 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 225 drugs are known to interact with mercaptopurine:

43 major drug interactions (122 brand and generic names)
166 moderate drug interactions (499 brand and generic names)
16 minor drug interactions (48 brand and generic names)

A total of 605 drugs are known to interact with methotrexate:

123 major drug interactions (598 brand and generic names)
466 moderate drug interactions (2464 brand and generic names)
16 minor drug interactions (49 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

You may experience reduced absorption of mercaptopurine in the presence of food. Take... View more

Caffeine may reduce the effectiveness of methotrexate in the treatment of arthritis. If you are... View more
Methotrexate may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

September 11, 1953

December 07, 1953

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer