Azacitidine
Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Azacitidine

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Antineoplastic Agent Vidaza Adult

Azacitidine - What is it for

It is used to treat a health problem called myelodysplatic syndrome

Azacitidine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Azacitidine cause?

Side Effects

  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. Redness of the skin at the injection site
    -Injection site redness may occur and warm or cool compresses after the injection may help to reduce the symptoms. Do not use hot compresses; these may make the symptoms worse or your skin blister at the injection site. Do not use ice as it may affect how Azacitidine gets into your bloodstream
  3. A drop in in blood counts including white cells, red cells or platelet.
  4. Diarrhoea or constipation.

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  1. Signs of an allergic reaction e.g. rash, itching, swollen, trouble breathing.
  2. Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, cough, mouth sore
  3. Signs of bleeding like throwing up blood; blood in the urine; black, red or tarry stools; bleeding from gums
  4.  Signs of low potassium like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps or a heartbeat that does not feel normal

Before taking Azacitidine , what precautions must I follow?

​Talk to your doctor before taking Azacitidine

  • If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding. Do not breastfeed while you are on this drug and for 2 weeks after your last dose

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Azacitidine ?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist the medicines you are taking including vitamins, natural products and supplements. Avoid raw or uncooked food.

Azacitidine - Dosage and How to Use

How should Azacitidine be used?

​It can be given either as a subcutaneous infusion (injection to the fatty part of the skin), or as an intravenous infusion (injection into a vein) over a period of time.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​Inform your doctor if you miss a dose

What should I do if I overdose?

​If you overdose on this medicine, inform your doctor immediately.

Azacitidine - Handling

How should I handle Azacitidine safely?

​This is a cytotoxic drug and requires precautions to avoid cytotoxic exposure. This drug will be prepared in a controlled environment.

Azacitidine - Storage

How should I store Azacitidine ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#Store at room temperature;#

How should I dispose of Azacitidine safely?

Any unused drug should be disposed as cytotoxic waste or in accordance with local requirements. Please talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions about disposal of this drug

Azacitidine - Additional Information

  • Updated on 6/12/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by Pharmacy, Haematology Singapore General Hospital
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

Find Your Medicines