What is azacitidine?
Azacitidine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their
growth and spread in the body.
Azacitidine is used to treat certain types of bone marrow cancers and blood cell disorders.
Azacitidine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking azacitidine?
You should not be given this medication if you are allergic to azacitidine or mannitol, or if
you have advanced liver cancer.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive
this medication. Before you receive azacitidine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if
you have:
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an
unborn baby.
Do not receive azacitidine
without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during
treatment.
If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a
condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 4 weeks
after you stop using azacitidine.
It is not known whether azacitidine passes into breast milk, but it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. You
may need to either stop nursing or stop receiving azacitidine.
How should I take azacitidine?
Azacitidine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein, or as a shot given under
the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection in a clinic or
hospital setting.
Azacitidine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 40 minutes to
complete. If you are receiving a shot under your skin, you may require two injections to complete your
dose.
You may also be given medications to reduce nausea and vomiting while you are receiving
azacitidine.
This medication is usually given for 7 days in a row every 4 weeks for at least 4 treatment
cycles. Your treatment schedule may be different. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Tell your caregiver right away if this medication accidentally gets on your skin. Wash the area
thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Azacitidine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it
easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your
blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or
liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What happens if I miss a dose of azacitidine?
Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your azacitidine injection.
Where can I get more information about azacitidine?
Your pharmacist has information about azacitidine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of azacitidine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
dry mouth, increased thirst, confusion, increased urination,
muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting;
-
pain, itching, burning, bleeding, or skin changes where the
injection was given;
-
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
-
swelling, rapid weight gain;
-
black, bloody, or tarry stools;
-
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
-
seizure (black-out or convulsions);
-
urinating less than usual or not at all; or
-
severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
-
mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
-
diarrhea, constipation;
-
redness where the injection was given;
-
headache; or
-
joint pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about azacitidine?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to azacitidine or mannitol, or if you have liver
cancer.
Before receiving azacitidine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have
kidney disease or liver disease.
Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could
cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you
become pregnant during treatment.
If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a
condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 4 weeks
after you stop using azacitidine.
Tell your caregiver right away if this medication accidentally gets on your skin. Wash the area
thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with azacitidine, and avoid
coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the
virus could be passed on to you.
Azacitidine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it
easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your
blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or
liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Do not miss
any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking azacitidine?
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your
doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Avoid getting any of this medicine on your skin. If this does happen, tell your caregiver right
away and wash the area with soap and warm water.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with azacitidine, and avoid
coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the
virus could be passed on to you.
What other drugs will affect azacitidine?
There may be other drugs that can interact with azacitidine. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of azacitidine?