This medication is used to treat a certain type of
cancer (acute myeloid leukemia). Azacitidine is a chemotherapy drug that
works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
This form of azacitidine should not be used in place of
the form given by injection.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once a day on days 1 through 14 of each
28-day treatment cycle. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or
chew the tablets. The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
To decrease the risk of nausea and vomiting, your doctor
may prescribe other medication(s) for you to take 30 minutes before each
dose. If you do not have nausea and vomiting after the first 2 cycles, your
doctor may direct you to not take the other medication(s). Carefully follow
your doctor's directions for all your medications.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another
dose. Take your next dose at the regular time.
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 14
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.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, tiredness,
dizziness, muscle/joint pain, or loss of appetite may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
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:
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).
Azacitidine sometimes causes side effects due to the
rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your
risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of
fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such
as:
- low back/side pain (flank pain)
- signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination,
pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine)
- muscle spasms/weakness
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 azacitidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; 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
Azacitidine 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
azacitidine 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.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
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 azacitidine.
Azacitidine 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 6 months
after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable
forms of birth control during treatment and for some time 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 1 week 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 and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts,
kidney function, liver function) should be done while you are taking this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original container at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the drying
agent (desiccant) in the bottle. Tightly close the bottle when not in use.
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).