What is Azacitidine?
Azacitidine is an oral medication used for the treatment of acute leukemia among people in remission who cannot complete other treatments.Azacitidine is used as an injection to treat some types of blood disorders and bone marrow tumors.Azacitidine can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Azacitidine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction , seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Azacitidine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- Redness, swelling, warmth on the skin, or any other symptoms of infection
- Low blood counts: fever; chills; easy bruising and bleeding. Pale skin. Cold.
- Signs of lung infections: fever, mucusy cough, pain in the chest, shortness of breath
- Kidney problems: pain in the lower back, bloody urine, inability to urinate, or swelling of your ankles or feet;
- Liver problems: upper stomach pains, itching, loss of appetite, and dark urine.
- Low potassium level: leg cramps, constipation,
- Signs of tumor cell breakdown include tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as well as fast or slow heart rates and tingling hands and feet or around your mouth.
Azacitidine can cause a number of side effects.
- Fever, chills, or bruising are all signs of low red blood cells.
- Lung infection;
- Low potassium
- Vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite are all symptoms that can be associated with stomach pain.
- Constipation, diarrhea;
- Joint pain in the arms and legs
- Feeling tired or weak
- Dizziness;
- Redness at the injection site.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warning
Azacitidine is harmful to an unborn child if either the father or mother are taking this medication.If you are allergic to mannitol or have advanced liver cancer, you should avoid azacitidine.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to azacitidine, it is best not to use this medication.If you are hypersensitive to mannitol or have liver carcinoma, you should avoid azacitidine.
If you've ever;
- Kidney disease
- Liver Disease.
Azacitidine may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father are taking this medication.
- Before starting treatment, you might need to take a pregnancy test. If you're pregnant, do not take azacitidine. While taking this medication, use birth control. Use birth control at least six months after taking Onureg.
- Use effective birth control if you're a male. Ensure that your partner can get pregnant. Use birth control after taking Onureg for at least three months.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you suspect a pregnancy while the mother is taking Onureg or Vidaza.
Azacitidine can affect both male and female fertility. It is still important to avoid pregnancy by using birth control, as this medication can cause harm to an unborn child.Azacitidine should never be used while breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed for at least one week after taking Onurag.
How to take Azacitidine?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label.Azacitidine (Onureg), taken orally, is administered in 28-day cycles. It is possible that you will only need to use the medication during the initial 2 weeks of every cycle.Onureg can be taken with or without meals. Do not chew or crush the tablet. Swallow it whole.Don't use a tablet that has been broken. A broken tablet can cause serious harm if the medicine gets into your nose, mouth, eyes, or skin.Do not take another Onureg dose if you vomit soon after taking it. Do not take another dose of Onureg until you have taken your scheduled next dose.Azacitidine (Vidaza) is given either as an injection under the skin or through a vein. This injection is given by a healthcare professional, typically on seven consecutive days every four weeks.When Vidaza gets accidentally on your skin, wash thoroughly with warm, soapy water.You may have a different treatment plan. Your doctor will decide how long you should be treated with azacitidine. Vidaza should never be substituted with Onureg. This medicine is available in both oral and injectable forms. The dosage and use of each form are different.Also, you may be prescribed medicine to relieve nausea and vomiting. This medicine should only be taken as directed.Azacitidine lowers blood cells, which help the body fight infections and clot blood. You will have to test your blood frequently. You may need to test your kidney function as well. The results may delay your cancer treatment.Keep Onureg away from heat and moisture. Store the tablet in its original container along with the canister or packet of moisture-absorbing preserver. When not in use, keep the container closed tightly.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take more than one dose at a time.If you missed your appointment to receive your Vidaza, call your doctor and ask for directions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
Stay away from people with infections or illnesses. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also affect azacitidine. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
