Azacitidine (By injection)
ay-za-SYE-ti-deen
Treats myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Azacitidine belongs to the group of medicines known as antimetabolites. It is used to treat some kinds of cancer.
Azacitidine interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by azacitidine, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to azacitidine or mannitol, you are pregnant, or you have advanced liver cancer.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while you are being given this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or any infections.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination
Chest pain
Confusion, extreme tiredness, or drowsiness
Dry mouth, increased thirst, or muscle cramps
Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot is given
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish skin
Skin wound that does not heal or looks infected (red and swollen)
Swelling in your hands, ankles, feet, or face
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache or arm, leg, joint, or back pain
Loss of appetite, weight loss
Nervousness, increased sweating, depression, or trouble sleeping
Tooth pain, swelling in your gums, mouth sores, or trouble swallowing
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Novaplus Azacitidine, PremierPro Rx azaCITIDine, Vidaza
There may be other brand names for this medicine.