Decitabine (By injection)
dee-SYE-ta-been
Treats myelodysplastic syndrome.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Decitabine is used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (diseases of the blood and bone marrow; MDS) and certain types of anemia. This medicine is an antineoplastic (cancer medicine) .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
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.
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. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to decitabine, or if you are pregnant.
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. Women should not get pregnant for 1 month after treatment ends. Men should not father a child for 2 months after treatment ends.
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.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
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
Chest pain, trouble breathing
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Small red or purple spots on your skin
Swelling in your face, hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache, joint or muscle pain
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea
Redness, pain, swelling, or itching where the needle was placed
Pale skin
Tiredness, trouble sleeping
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
Dacogen, Novaplus Decitabine, Premierpro Rx Decitabine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.