Azacitidine

(ay za SYE ti deen)

U.S. Brand Names

Vidaza®

Pharmacologic Category

Antineoplastic Agent, DNA Methylation Inhibitor

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to azacitidine or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have liver tumors.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat bone marrow disorders and leukemias.

How does it work?

• Azacitidine injures cancer cells causing their death.

How is it best taken?

• This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.

• This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call healthcare provider for appointment.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Use two forms of birth control that you can trust 1 month before treatment begins, during treatment, and for at least 1 month after treatment ends.

• If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from pregnancy. Use two forms of birth control that you can trust 1 month before treatment begins, during treatment, and for at least 1 month after treatment ends.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.

• Fever.

• Diarrhea.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe constipation.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2006-10-13 10:49:13.0

Modified: 2008-02-04 09:50:58.0

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