Azacitidine

What is Azacitidine for?

It is used to treat a health problem called myelodysplatic syndrome

How should I take or use Azacitidine?

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 forget to take or use Azacitidine?

Inform your doctor if you miss a dose

What precautions should I take when taking or using Azacitidine?

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 medication should I avoid when I take or use Azacitidine?

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

What are some common side effects of Azacitidine?

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

How should I store Azacitidine?

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

How do I throw away 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

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.

What should I do if I overdose?

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