Home > AZACITIDINE

AZACITIDINE

This page contains brief details about the drug azacitidine, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Azacitidine is an anticancer medication which was approved for its medical use on 19th May 2004.

Mechanism of Action of Azacitidine

Azacitidine is a cytotoxic anticancer medication belonging to the category of medications called antimetabolites. It is also called as the demethylating or hypomethylating agent. It enters the DNA and forms a covalent bond with the DNA methyltransferase and induces programmed cell death of tumour cells.

AVAILABLE BRANDS

VIEW ALL
Azacytin 100mg Injection
DR REDDY’S LABORATORIES LTD ₹4,053.00
Atsa 100 Mg Injection
EMCURE PHARMACEUTICALS ONCOCAR ₹0.00
Azalive 100mg Injection
ABBOTT ₹3,746.00

Uses of Azacitidine

Azacitidine is a prescribed medication designated for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome in adults, as well as for pediatric patients aged one month and older who have been newly diagnosed with Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML).

Azacitidine Drug administaration and Dosage available

Azacitidine comes in tablet form, with doses available in 200mg and 300mg, as well as in lyophilized powder for injection, with doses of 100mg and 150mg. The injection is meant to be administered subcutaneously or intravenously exclusively.

For tablets, take one Azacitidine Tablet daily, with or without food, from day 1 to day 14 of each 28-day cycle. Azacitidine Injection will be administered by your oncologist via subcutaneous or intravenous route, with the number of cycles and treatment duration tailored to the specific cancer type.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Azacitidine

Warnings

Azacitidine is not advised for individuals allergic to Azacitidine or any of its components. It’s crucial to inform your physician if you have kidney or liver issues. Your doctor will routinely monitor your blood cell count, as well as liver and kidney functions. If you encounter skin reactions, difficulty breathing, unusual headaches, bleeding, bruising, fever, or extreme fatigue, seek immediate medical attention.

Precautions

Azacitidine could potentially affect fertility in both male and female patients. Female patients and female partners of male patients are advised to refrain from conceiving during treatment. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, suspect pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive. Discuss suitable contraceptive options with your healthcare provider and maintain their use for at least 6 months following the last dose of Azacitidine. Male patients should refrain from fathering a child for up to 3 months after completing treatment. Avoid breastfeeding during Azacitidine treatment and for one week afterward.

Side Effects

Typical side effects you may experience during treatment with Azacitidine Injection include nausea, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, injection site reactions, constipation, weakness, rashes, and low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia). Common side effects associated with Azacitidine Tablet include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue, weakness, abdominal discomfort, pneumonia, joint pain, loss of appetite, pain in the arms or legs, and dizziness. If you encounter allergic reactions or any symptoms such as shortness of breath, chills, or fever, promptly inform your doctor.

Word Of Advice

Azacitidine make you feel tired or dizzy. Hence do not drive for used machines during this treatment.

Frequently Asked Question

Azacytidine is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug that is classified as demethylating and antimetabolite agent.
Azacitidine might drastically reduce platelet count and may cause unusual bleeding and bruising. Hence, it is advisable to avoid planning for surgery. Discuss with your healthcare provider before you undergo any surgical or dental procedures.
Azacitidine is not recommended for people who are allergic to Azacitidine, or its ingredients and for people who have tumours in their liver (malignant hepatic tumours).
If you vomit after taking your dose of Azacitidine, take your next dose as per schedule and do not take an additional dose on the same day. Your physician will prescribe medication to prevent nausea and vomiting during this therapy.
Store Azacitidine Tablets at 20-25°C in its original container. Store Azacitidine Injection at controlled room temperature at 15-30°C and keep them away from children.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.