What is azacitidine?
Azacitidine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Azacitidine is used to treat certain types of bone marrow cancers and blood cell disorders.
Azacitidine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about azacitidine?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to azacitidine or mannitol, or if you have liver cancer.
Before receiving azacitidine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 4 weeks after you stop using azacitidine.
Tell your caregiver right away if this medication accidentally gets on your skin. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with azacitidine, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.
Azacitidine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving azacitidine?
You should not be given this medication if you are allergic to azacitidine or mannitol, or if you have advanced liver cancer.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication. Before you receive azacitidine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive azacitidine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 4 weeks after you stop using azacitidine.
It is not known whether azacitidine passes into breast milk, but it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. You may need to either stop nursing or stop receiving azacitidine.