Azacitidine

What is Azacitidine?

Azacitidine is prescribed to adults suffering from chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia.

These conditions are responsible for affecting bone marrow and might cause problems with normal blood cell production.

Azacitidine tablets should be taken exactly in same way as directed by a doctor to attain maximum benefits.

It is a chemotherapy medicine that works by slowing or stopping growth of cancer cells.

Make sure that this form of Azacitidine is not used in place of form given by injection.

Azacitidine injection is effective in treating certain types of bone marrow cancers and blood cell disorders.

This medicine is only available after a prescription from a doctor. You can save on Azacitidine cost by purchasing it from an online pharmacy.

Azacitidine is available under different brand names such as Onureg and Vidaza.

This medication is available in form of tablets in doses including 200mg and 300mg.

It also comes as lyophilized powder for injection in doses of 100mg and 150mg.

You need to know that injection is intended for administration only through subcutaneous and intravenous routes.

Uses of Azacitidine

Doctors prescribe Azacitidine for treating following medical conditions:

• Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
• Acute Myeloid leukemia
• Myelodysplastic syndrome

How does Azacitidine work?

Azacitidine is an anticancer medicine that works by inhibiting growth of genetic material (DNA and RNA) of cancer cells present in leukemia.

This further kills cancer cells and assists in normal maturation & growth of young blood cells in your bone marrow.

How to take Azacitidine?

Before starting treatment with Azacitidine, you need to read patient information leaflet provided with medicine.

If there is any doubt or confusion about this medication or its dosage then discuss it with your doctor.

Azacitidine is not recommended for patients who are allergic to it or other ingredients present in this medicine.

It is important to let your doctor know beforehand if you are diagnosed with kidney or liver disorders.

During treatment, doctor will monitor your blood cell count, kidney and liver parameters regularly.

Met your doctor immediately, if you suffer from unusual headaches, skin reactions, bleeding, extreme weakness, bruising, or fever.

Take this medicine by mouth with or without food in same way as directed by a doctor without crushing or chewing it.

It is usually taken once a day on days 1 through 14 of each 28-day treatment cycle.

Swallow tablet as a whole. Azacitidine dose is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

To decrease risk of experiencing nausea and vomiting, your doctor can prescribe other medicines to take 30 minutes before each dose.

In case, you do not have vomiting and nausea after first 2 cycles then doctor can direct you not to take other medicines.

It is necessary for patients to carefully follow all the directions of doctor for medicines prescribed.

If you vomit after taking a dose then do not take another dosage. Continue with your next dose at a regular time.

To help you remember, take Azacitidine at same time on days 1 to 14 of your treatment cycle.

Do not increase your dose of Azacitidine or use this medicine more often or for a longer time than directed.

Your condition will not improve faster by increasing dosage, instead risk of serious side effects will increase.

• Missed dose

In case, you miss a dose of Azacitidine then take it quickly as soon as you remember.

However, missed doses should be skipped if it’s already time for next prescribed dose.

Continue taking your next dose at a regular time and do not take two doses at same time to catch up missed one.

• Overdose

If you have overdosed and suffer from serious symptoms like passing out or trouble breathing then call doctor promptly.

Precautions and warnings for Azacitidine

Azacitidine is not recommended for use by patients who are allergic to it.

Get immediate medical attention, if you notice any symptoms like itching/swelling, skin rash, dizziness, and breathing problems.

Doctors do not suggest use of this medicine in patients who have an advanced tumor in liver as it can worsen your condition.

Azacytidine might cause loss of balance, dizziness, and fainting. So, avoid driving vehicles or operating heavy machines when taking this medicine.

This medication must be used with caution in people suffering from tumor lysis syndrome as its risk can be increased.

Based on your condition, doctor can adjust dosage or replace it with another medicine if necessary.

Azacitidine can increase your chance of getting infections or can make your existing infections worse. 

It is necessary to stay away from people who already suffer from any infection that can spread easily.

Inform doctor beforehand that you are taking Azacitidine before undergoing any vaccinations and surgery.

Avoid coming in contact with people who have recently received any kind of live vaccine.

Men using this medicine must discuss reliable & effective forms of birth control during treatment and for some time after last dosage.

In case, you or your partner becomes pregnant then talk to a doctor right away about risks and benefits of Azacitidine tablet.

Side effects of Azacitidine

Nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle/joint pain, tiredness, or loss of appetite are some common side effects of Azacitidine.

You have been prescribed this medication because your doctor thinks that benefits to you are greater than risk of side effects.

This medicine can lower your ability to fight against infections. It can make you more likely to get a severe infection or make your infection worse.

In case, you have signs of infection then get emergency medical help right away.

Azacitidine can sometimes cause side effects due to rapid destruction of cancer cells.

Your doctor can add a medicine and suggest drinking plenty of fluids to reduce your risk.

Side effects of Azacitidine include:

• Low blood platelets
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Pneumonia
• Nasopharyngitis
• Anemia
• Febrile neutropenia
• High blood pressure

Call your doctor immediately, if any of your side effects persist or become worse with time.

Interactions

Do not start, stop, or change dose of any medicines without consulting with a doctor.

Let your doctor know about all other products you use including prescription & non-prescription medicines and herbal supplements.

Here is a list of some medicines which interact with Azacitidine and should be avoided strictly:

• Clozapine
• Leflunomide
• Adalimumab
• BCG vaccine

Before starting treatment with any medicine, make sure to check all possible interactions with doctor.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature and away from direct sunlight & moisture.

Keep Azacitidine tablets away from pets and children.

Frequently asked questions about Azacitidine (FAQs)

• Is Azacitidine considered a vesicant?

Azacitidine is not a vesicant and is not known to cause serious local tissue damage on extravasation.

• Is it safe to take Azacitidine tablets?

Yes, this medicine is safe to take under a doctor’s supervision. Strictly follow your doctor’s direction for prescribed dosage.

• Can Azacitidine cause you differentiation syndrome?

Azacitidine might cause a severe immune reaction called differentiation syndrome.

Meet your doctor quickly, if you experience trouble breathing, rapid weight gain, swelling of arms or legs, fever, low blood pressure, or reduced urine.

• Is it safe to undergo surgery during treatment with Azacitidine?

It is advised to avoid surgery because this medicine can decrease platelet count drastically and cause unusual bleeding & bruising.