Azacitidine
About
Azacitidine belongs to the group of medicines called anti-metabolites used in adults with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, and acute myeloid leukaemia. These conditions affect the bone marrow and could cause problems with normal blood cell production.
Azacitidine contains Azacitidine, which works by preventing cancer cells from growing. It helps the bone marrow in the production of normal blood cells and kills abnormal cells in the bone marrow.
In some cases, Azacitidine may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, weakness, headache, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not use Azacitidine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Azacitidine. This medicine is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Azacitidine
Medicinal Benefits
Azacitidine belongs to the group of medicines called anti-metabolites used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, and acute myeloid leukaemia. Azacitidine contains Azacitidine, a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor which works by preventing cancer cells from growing. It incorporates into the genetic material of the cells and interferes with the production of new DNA and RNA. This helps correct problems with the maturation and growth of young blood cells in the bone marrow, which causes myelodysplastic disorders.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Azacitidine
- Reduced blood count (red blood count, white blood count, and platelets)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Pneumonia
- Injection site reaction (redness, pain or a skin reaction).
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Azacitidine if you are allergic to any of its components, have advanced liver cancer, or are breastfeeding. Inform the doctor if you have a low number of platelets, red or white blood cells, heart condition or heart attack, lung, kidney or liver diseases. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of liver failure (jaundice, abdominal bloating, shaking, drowsiness, and easy bruising), kidney failure (back pain, increased thirst, swelling of legs and feet, reduced passing of water, dizziness, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, confusion, fatigue or restlessness), fever, pneumonia (shortness of breath or chest pain accompanied with fever), low levels of platelets (bleeding such as blood in stools due to bleeding in the stomach), or allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing, itching, or swelling of lips).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal supplements.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have a liver tumour or liver/kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Azacitidine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeAzacitidine belongs to pregnancy category D. Azacitidine should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the baby. Consult the doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Azacitidine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is unknown if Azacitidine passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Azacitidine.
Driving
cautionAzacitidine may cause dizziness and tiredness. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience any side effects that might lessen your ability to do so.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Azacitidine. This medicine should be used with caution in patients with severe pre-existing liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Azacitidine. Monitoring patients with kidney impairment is advised.
Children
unsafeAzacitidine is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Drink enough water and eat a balanced diet.
Special Advise
- Your doctor will recommend blood tests prior to treatment with Azacitidine and at the start of each cycle to check blood cell count, liver and kidney functioning.
- Women must use reliable contraception during treatment and for six months after receiving the last dose.
- Male patients are advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for three months after stopping the treatment.
- If you are due to undergo any surgery, including dental surgery, inform the doctor/dentist that you are on treatment with Azacitidine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Myelodysplastic syndromes: It is a group of cancers in which the immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature or become healthy blood cells. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, feeling tired or weak, pale skin, petechiae (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding), and easy bleeding or bruising.
Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia: It is a rare type of blood cancer in which there are too many monocytes (type of white blood cells) in the blood. Symptoms of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia are tiredness, infections, bleeding or bruising easily, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, loss of appetite, sweating, skin rash, and bone and muscle pain.
Acute myeloid leukaemia: Acute myeloid leukaemia, also called acute myelogenous leukaemia or acute nonlymphocytic leukaemia, is the cancer of blood and bone marrow with excess immature white blood cells. Symptoms include fever, recurrent infections, fatigue, and easy bruising.
FAQs
Azacitidine works by preventing cancer cells from growing. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.
Men should avoid fathering a child whilst on treatment with Azacitidine. Consult the doctor if you wish to conserve your sperm before starting the treatment. Use effective contraception during the treatment with Azacitidine and for three months after stopping the treatment.
Azacitidine may cause a serious immune reaction known as differentiation syndrome. Consult the doctor immediately if you experience fever, rash, difficulty breathing, cough, decreased urine, rapid weight gain, low blood pressure, or swelling of the legs or arms.
