The side effects of mercaptopurine can be diverse and serious. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. More severe adverse effects involve bone marrow suppression, leading to increased infections and bleeding. Hepatotoxicity is a significant concern, with patients requiring regular liver function tests to monitor for potential liver damage. Other rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis and hypersensitivity reactions.
