Azacitidine is used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (a group of conditions in which the bone marrow produces blood cells that are misshapen and does not produce enough healthy blood cells). Azacitidine is in a class of medications called demethylation agents. It works by helping the bone marrow to produce normal blood cells and by killing abnormal cells in the bone marrow.
Azacitidine comes as a powder to be mixed with water and injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital outpatient department. It is usually injected once a day for 7 days. This treatment may be repeated every 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends. Treatment should usually be given for at least four cycles.
Your doctor may increase your dose of azacitidine after two cycles if your condition has not improved and if you have not experienced serious side effects of the medication. Your doctor may also need to delay your treatment or reduce your dose if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with azacitadine.
Your doctor will give you medication to prevent nausea and vomiting before you receive each dose of azacitadine.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Call your doctor right away if you are unable to keep an appointment to receive a dose of azacitidine.
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
sores on the mouth or tongue
hemorrhoids
stomach pain or tenderness
heartburn
loss of appetite
weight loss
headache
dizziness
weakness
excessive tiredness
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
depression
anxiety
back, muscle, or joint pain
muscle cramps
sweating
night sweats
difficulty urinating or pain when urinating
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
dry skin
redness, pain, bruising, swelling, itching, lump, or change in the skin color in the place where the medication was injected
pale skin
shortness of breath
fast heartbeat
chest pain
cough
unusual bruising or bleeding
nosebleeds
bleeding gums
small red or purple dots on the skin
sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
hives
rash
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
Azacitidine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
This medication will be stored in the medical office or hospital where you receive your treatment.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to azacitidine.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.