Uses of undefined

Azacitidine is a prescription medicine indicated to treat adults with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome and peadiatric patients older than one month newly diagnosed with Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML).

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Azacitidine is available in form of tablets in the doses 200mg and 300mg and as lyophilized powder for injection in the doses 100mg and 150mg. the injection is intended for administration through subcutaneous and intravenous route only. 

Take 1 Azacitidine Tablet with or without food everyday from day 1 to day 14 of each 28-day cycle. Azacitidine Injection will be administered by your oncologist through subcutaneous or intravenous route and the number of cycles and duration of treatment depends on the type of cancer. 

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Azacitidine not recommended for patients who are allergic to Azacitidine, or its ingredients. It is essential to let your physician know if you are diagnosed with problems in your kidneys or liver. Your physician will regularly monitor your blood cell count, liver and kidney parameters. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any skin reactions, breathing trouble, unusual headaches, bleeding, bruising, fever, extreme tiredness or weakness.

Precautions

Azacitidine might impair fertility in male and female patients. Female patients and female partners of male patients should avoid getting pregnant during this treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby. Discuss effective contraceptive methods with your healthcare practitioner and continue using birth control methods for at least 6 months after the final dose of Azacitidine. Male patients should not father a child for up to 3 months after stopping the treatment. Do not breastfeed during and one week after Azacitidine treatment.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Azacitidine Injection are nausea, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, injection site reactions, constipation, weakness, rashes and low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia). The most common side effects of Azacitidine Tablet include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, tiredness, weakness, stomach pain, pneumonia, joint pain, loss of appetite, pain in the arms or legs and dizziness. If you experience any allergic reactions or any other symptoms like shortness of breath, chills, or fever report to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

Azacitidine make you feel tired or dizzy. Hence do not drive for used machines during this treatment.

Frequently Asked Question

• Is Azacitidine a chemotherapy drug?
• Azacytidine is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug that is classified as demethylating and antimetabolite agent.

• Is it safe to undergo surgery during treatment with Azacitidine?
• Azacitidine might drastically reduce platelet count and may cause unusual bleeding and bruising. Hence, it is advisable to avoid planning for surgery. Discuss with your healthcare provider before you undergo any surgical or dental procedures.

• Who should not take Azacitidine?
• Azacitidine is not recommended for people who are allergic to Azacitidine, or its ingredients and for people who have tumours in their liver (malignant hepatic tumours).

• What should you do if you vomit after taking Azacitidine?
• If you vomit after taking your dose of Azacitidine, take your next dose as per schedule and do not take an additional dose on the same day. Your physician will prescribe medication to prevent nausea and vomiting during this therapy.

• How to store Azacitidine?
• Store Azacitidine Tablets at 20-25°C in its original container. Store Azacitidine Injection at controlled room temperature at 15-30°C and keep them away from children.

• How long does it take for Azacitidine to work?
• It typically takes about 4 to 6 months of Azacitidine treatment for your oncologist to notice a difference. You should take this medicine for as long as you continue to benefit from it.

• What tests do you need to undergo before starting treatment with Azacitidine?
• Before and during treatment with Azacitidine, your healthcare provider will monitor your complete blood count, electrolytes, liver and kidney parameters to check how well your body tolerates this treatment.