This medication contains 2 ingredients: decitabine and
cedazuridine. It is used to treat a group of blood/bone marrow disorders
(myelodysplastic syndromes-MDS) in which the bone marrow does not produce
enough healthy blood cells. People with MDS may have problems such as
infections, anemia, and easy bleeding/bruising. Decitabine is thought to
work by helping your bone marrow make normal blood cells. Decitabine also
slows or stops the growth of abnormal blood cells that grow too fast and do
not work properly. Cedazuridine helps decitabine work better by helping to
prevent its breakdown in your body.
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily on days 1 through 5 of each
28-day treatment cycle. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or
chew the tablets. Do not eat for at least 2 hours before and 2 hours after
taking this medication.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another
dose. Take your next dose at the regular time.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time on days 1 through 5
of your treatment cycle.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of serious side effects will increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
Tiredness, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea,
loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, or muscle/joint
pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor
or pharmacist promptly.
Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush
your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol,
and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt.
It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- easy bleeding/bruising
- unusual tiredness
- pale skin
- arm/leg swelling
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
This medication can commonly cause a rash that is
usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a
rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Tell your doctor right
away if you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to decitabine or cedazuridine; or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- current/recent infection
- kidney problems
- liver problems
This medication can make you more likely to get
infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who
has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19,
measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection
or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
this medication before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using
decitabine/cedazuridine. Decitabine/cedazuridine may harm an unborn baby.
Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication.
Women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth
control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men
using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control
during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If you or
your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the
risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for at least 2 weeks after the last
dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab tests (such as complete blood counts, liver
function, kidney function) should be done while you are using this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is more than 12 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take
your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Extend the dosing period by one day for every missed dose to finish 5 doses
for each cycle. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions.
Store in the original packaging at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications
away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).