Azacitadine - TheGIConnection

Class: Chemotherapy

Generic Name : Azacitadine (aye-zuh-CYE-ta-deen)
Trade Name: Vidaza™

For which conditions is this drug approved? Azacitadine is FDA-approved for the treatment of the following types of myelodysplastic syndromes: refractory anemia or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (if accompanied by neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or requiring transfusions), refractory anemia with excess blasts, and refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. It is important for patients to remember that physicians have the ability to prescribe medication for conditions other than those for which the drug has been approved by the FDA. Patients who have received a prescription of this drug for a condition other than which it is approved may wish to discuss this issue with their physician.

What is the mechanism of action? Azacitadine belongs to a group of drugs called a nucleoside analogue. Azacitadine produces its anti-cancer effects by inhibiting the ability of DNA replication. The suppression of DNA replication tends to affect faster replicating cells, such as cancer cells, ultimately causing cellular death.

How is azacitadine typically given (administered)? Azacitadine is typically administered subcutaneously (injection under the skin). The dose and scheduling in which azacitadine is administered is dependent upon many factors, including the condition being treated, the particular treatment regimen being utilized, the patient’s height and weight, overall health, and the patient’s tolerance of therapy. Patients may also receive anti-nausea medication prior to treatment with azacitadine.

How are patients typically monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with azacitadine. Typically, blood may be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems, such as the kidneys or liver. Physical examinations, scans, or other measures may also be utilized to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the common (occur in 30% or more of patients) side effects of treatment with azacitadine?

Nausea
Vomiting
Redness or irritation at injection site

What are the less common (occur in 10% to 29% of patients) side effects of treatment with azacitadine?

Low levels of platelets
Diarrhea
Fever
Fatigue
Constipation
Low levels of white blood cells
Cough
Shortness of breath
Red spots on skin
Areas of bruising
Shaking
Pain at injection site
Headache
Joint pain
Limb pain
Significant decrease in weight or loss of appetite
Inflammation of the throat
Back pain
Dizziness
Chest pain
Low levels of white blood cells accompanied by fever
Muscle pain
Inflammation of the nasal area
Anxiety
Bruising at injection site
Injection site reaction
Abdominal tenderness

What are the rare (occur in less than 10% of patients) side effects of treatment with azacitadine?

Bleeding gums
Enlarging of lymph nodes
Runny nose
Heart murmur
Increased sweating
Pain
Pneumonia
Upper abdominal pain
Crackles heard in the lungs
Insomnia
Cough
Depression
Rash
Decreased appetite
Skin abnormalities
Water retention
Paleness
Bloody nose
Weakness

This is not a complete list of side effects. Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed here. Patients may wish to discuss with their physician the other less common side effects of this drug, some of which may be serious.

Some side effects may require medical attention. Other side effects do not require medical attention and may go away during treatment. Patients should check with their physician about any side effects that continue or are bothersome.

What can patients do to help alleviate or prevent discomfort and side effects?

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions and inform the physician of any side effects.
Maintain adequate rest and nutrition.
If possible, avoid large crowds or people who are sick or not feeling well, as this drug may leave some patients susceptible to infection.
Wash hands often to reduce the risk of infection.
Eat small meals frequently to help alleviate nausea.
Avoid activities that may cause injury or bruising.
Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor to prevent cuts on the mouth or skin.
Drink plenty of fluids. (Patients should ask their physician about the amount of liquid to consume during a day.)

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting chemotherapy?

Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a family in the near future. This drug may cause birth defects. It is important to use some kind of birth control while undergoing treatment. Also, patients may want to talk to their physician if they are considering having children in the future, since some drugs may cause fertility problems.
It is important that patients inform their physician of any pre-existing conditions (chicken pox, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, etc.) as they may worsen with this drug.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter, including vitamins, herbs, etc.) as they may interfere with treatment.
Patients should check with their physician before starting any new drug or nutritional supplement.
Patients should inform their physician of any known drug or food allergies or any reactions to medications they have experienced in the past.

When should patients notify their physician?

Fever
Chills
Sore throat
Cough
Flu or cold-like symptoms
Signs of infection – redness, swelling, pus, tenderness, painful or more frequent than usual urination
Blistering or severe pain/redness/swelling at administration site
Persistent and severe fatigue
Unexplained bleeding (nosebleeds, bruises, black tarry stools, blood in the urine, etc.)
Persistent or severe nausea and vomiting
Persistent diarrhea or constipation
Signs of an allergic reaction – wheezing, difficulty breathing, hives, rash, closing of throat
Noticeable changes in heart rate or rhythm
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Abdominal pain
Yellowing of skin or eyes
Swelling of ankles or feet
Severe or persistent pain

What is a package insert?
A package insert is required by the FDA and contains a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug for healthcare providers and consumers. A package insert typically includes information regarding specific indications, administration schedules, dosing, side effects, contraindications, results from some clinical trials, chemical structure, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the specific drug.By carefully reviewing the package insert, you will get the most complete and current information about how to safely use this drug. If you do not have the package insert for the drug you are using, your pharmacist or physician may be able to provide you with a copy.

Important Limitations of Use

The information provided above on the drug you have selected is provided for your information only and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical doctor. We are providing this information solely as a courtesy and, as such, it is in no way a recommendation as to the safety, efficacy or appropriateness of any particular drug, regimen, dosing schedule for any particular cancer, condition or patient nor is it in any way to be considered medical advice. Patients should discuss the appropriateness of a particular drug or chemotherapy regimen with their physician.

As with any printed reference, the use of particular drugs, regimens and drug dosages may become out-of-date over time, since new information may have been published and become generally accepted after the latest update to this printed information. Please keep in mind that health care professionals are fully responsible for practicing within current standards, avoiding use of outdated regimens, employing good clinical judgment in selecting drugs and/or regimens, in calculating doses for individual patients, and verifying all dosage calculations.

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Tags: A, Chemotherapy