Azacitidine
Azacitidine is used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML; cancer of the white blood cells) in adults who improved after chemotherapy, but who are unable to complete intensive curative therapy. Azacitidine is in a class of medications called demethylation agents. It works by helping the bone marrow to produce normal blood cells and by killing abnormal cells.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Azacitidine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once daily for the first 14 days of a 28-day cycle. Your doctor will decide how many times you should repeat this cycle depending on your response to this medication and any side effects you may experience. Take azacitidine at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take azacitidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
If your skin comes into contact with powder from the inside the tablets, wash the exposed area right away with soap and water. If your eyes or mouth come into contact with powder from inside the tablets, flush the area right away with water.
Your doctor will give you medication to prevent nausea and vomiting 30 minutes before you receive each dose of azacitidine for the first two cycles. Your doctor may continue to give you this medication for later cycles, if needed.
If you vomit after taking azacitidine, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Even with health insurance, patients in the U. S. have a hard time affording their medical care. About one in five working-age Americans with health insurance, and more than half of those without health insurance, reported having trouble paying their medical bills in the last year, according to S. News & World Report.
Your doctor may decrease your dose or temporarily or permanently stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with azacitidine.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
