What is decitabine?
Decitabine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Decitabine is used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (certain types of blood or bone marrow cancer).
Decitabine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about decitabine?
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
Do not use decitabine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective 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 2 months after you stop receiving decitabine.
You should not breast-feed while you are receiving decitabine.
Decitabine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving decitabine?
To make sure you can safely take decitabine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
kidney disease; or
liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use decitabine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective 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 2 months after you stop receiving decitabine.
It is not known whether decitabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving decitabine.