Azacitidine 100 mg Injection

Azacitidine 100 mg Injection

Azacitidine 100 mg Injection is a medication 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 belongs to a class of drugs known as demethylation agents. It works by assisting the bone marrow in producing normal blood cells and by killing abnormal bone marrow cells.

How should this medication be administered?

Azacitidine is available as a powder that must be mixed with water before being 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 typically injected once daily for seven days. This treatment can be repeated every four weeks as long as your doctor prescribes. Typically, treatment should last at least four cycles.

If your condition has not improved and you have not experienced serious side effects from the medication, your doctor may increase your dose after two cycles. If you experience certain side effects, your doctor may need to postpone or reduce your treatment. Tell your doctor how you’re feeling during your azacitadine treatment.

Before each dose of azacitadine, your doctor will give you medication to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Other applications for this medication

This medication may also be prescribed for other purposes; consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Prior to using azacitidine,

• If you are allergic to azacitidine, mannitol (Osmitrol, Resectisol), or any other medications, tell your doctor and pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to adjust the doses of your medications or closely monitor you for side effects.
• If you have a liver tumour, tell your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to avoid taking azacitidine.
• If you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, tell your doctor.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or intend to father a child. While taking azacitidine, neither you nor your partner should become pregnant. During your azacitidine treatment, you should use birth control to prevent pregnancy in yourself or your partner. Consult your doctor about effective birth control methods for you. Call your doctor if you or your partner become pregnant while taking azacitidine. Azacitidine may be harmful to the foetus.
• If you are taking azacitidine, you should not breastfeed.
• If you are scheduled for surgery, including dental surgery, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking azacitidine.

What dietary restrictions should I observe?

Continue to eat normally unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

What should I do if I forget to take a medication?

If you are unable to keep an appointment to receive an azacitidine dose, contact your doctor immediately.

Azacitidine may have unwanted side effects.

Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or persistent:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• diarrhoea
• mouth or tongue ulcers haemorrhoids
• stomach discomfort or tenderness
• heartburn
• appetite loss
• slimming down
• headache
• dizziness
• weakness
• excessive exhaustion
• depression, difficulty falling or staying asleep
• anxiety
• back, muscle, or joint discomfort
• cramps in the muscles
• sweating at night
• urinating difficulty or pain urinating swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• scaly skin
• redness, pain, bruising, swelling, itching, lump, or skin colour change in the area where the medication was injected

Some of the side effects can be severe.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:

• pale skin, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat
• chest discomfort
• nosebleeds, unusual bruising or bleeding
• gums bleeding
• small red or purple spots on the skin sore throat, fever, chills, or other infection-related symptoms hives
• Other side effects of Azacitidine include rash, itching, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you experience any unusual side effects while taking this medication, contact your doctor.

What should I know about this medication’s storage and disposal?

This medication will be kept in the medical office or hospital where you are treated.

In the event of an emergency or an overdose

In the event of an overdose, dial 1-800-222-1222 for poison control. There is also information available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be awakened, dial 911 immediately.

Overdose symptoms may include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting

What else should I be aware of?

Keep all of your doctor’s and laboratory appointments. Your doctor will order a series of lab tests to assess your body’s reaction to azacitidine.

It is critical that you keep a written record of all prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications you are taking, as well as any vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you whenever you go to the doctor or are admitted to the hospital. It is also important to have this information on hand in case of an emergency.