Decitabine
About
Decitabine belongs to the group of medicines called hypomethylation agents used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome. A myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of malignancies known as myelodysplastic syndromes that occur when immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature or turn into healthy blood cells.
Decitabine contains ‘Decitabine’, which works by helping the bone marrow produce normal blood cells and kills abnormal cells in the bone marrow.
Decitabine should be administered to patients only in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician qualified by training and experience to administer chemotherapeutic agents. Decitabine should usually be given for at least four cycles but may be continued if your doctor decides you will benefit from additional treatment. The most common adverse reactions of Decitabine are injection site reactions, excessive tiredness, headache, dizziness, confusion, fast heartbeat, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, weakness, shortness of breath, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, heartburn, chest discomfort and swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, lower legs, or stomach. Talk with your doctor if you experience any of these side effects persistently.
Decitabine may harm your fetus. Avoid taking Decitabine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You or your partner should not become pregnant while you are using decitabine. It would be best if you used birth control to prevent pregnancy in yourself or your partner during your treatment with decitabine and for two months afterwards. Call your doctor if you or your partner becomes pregnant while using decitabine. If you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you take this drug and for two weeks after your last dose. Decitabine may cause dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness, and blurred vision, so drive only if alert. Decitabine is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications before taking Decitabine to rule out interactions.
Uses of Decitabine
Medicinal Benefits
Decitabine belongs to the group of medicines called hypomethylation agents used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome. Decitabine contains ‘Decitabine’, which works by helping the bone marrow produce normal blood cells and kills abnormal cells in the bone marrow. On the other hand, it can treat blood cancer, known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Decitabine
- Injection site reactions
- Excessive tiredness or weakness
- Headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Fast heartbeat
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Painful sores in the mouth, or on the tongue or lips
- Rash
- Neutropenia (low white blood cells)
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
- Change in skin colour or pale skin or red spots on the skin
- Hair loss
- Joint or muscle pain
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Chest discomfort or chest wall pain
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, lower legs, or stomach
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking the Decitabine, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Before and during your therapy, your doctor will prescribe laboratory testing on a regular basis. You may have a higher risk of infection. Hands must be washed frequently. Avoid contact with those who have illnesses, colds, or the flu. You may bleed more easily. Take precautions to avoid injury. Do not skip any scheduled dose or take other medications unless prescribed by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Decitabine may interact with medicines used to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis (e.g. adalimumab, baricitinib, leflunomide), vaccinations (e.g. BCG vaccine, dengue vaccine, yellow fever vaccine), antipsychotic medication (e.g. clozapine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Decitabine may interact with various disease conditions, including liver, kidney and haematological toxicities (Low platelet level, low count of a type of white blood cell).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Decitabine as it might cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeDecitabine should not be used during pregnancy. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDecitabine should not be used in breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
unsafeDecitabine may cause dizziness, sleepiness, and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Decitabine if you have had a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Decitabine if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeDecitabine is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After your treatment begins, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are advised before and during treatment with Decitabine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Myelodysplastic syndromes: Myelodysplastic syndromes are malignancies in which immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature and do not become healthy blood cells. Abnormalities in blood cells and bone marrow distinguish the many forms of myelodysplastic syndromes.
FAQs
Decitabine contains ‘Decitabine’, which works by helping the bone marrow produce normal blood cells and by killing abnormal cells in the bone marrow.
Decitabine therapy should usually be given as a three- or five-day regimen based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. Do not stop taking Decitabine on your own. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Decitabine.
Decitabine can be used to treat blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Decitabine therapy may cause a change in skin colour or pale skin or red spots on the skin. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms persistently.
Decitabine might cause neutropenia (low white blood cells) and thrombocytopenia (low platelets). Blood count should be checked regularly during treatment with Decitabine.
Decitabine may raise blood sugar. If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor.
