About azacitidine
Pyrimidine antimetabolite; DNA methyltransferase inhibitor
Used for
- Treats certain myelodysplastic syndromes, including higher-risk disease.
- Treats acute myeloid leukaemia in some adults, depending on local approval.
Usual adult dose
Usually 75 mg/m² by injection once daily for seven days, repeated every four weeks; specialist-adjusted.
Common side effects
- Low blood cell counts, increasing infection, anaemia, or bleeding risk.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, or reduced appetite.
- Fever, injection-site reactions, fatigue, or weakness.
- Kidney or liver problems; tumour lysis syndrome can occur.
Important warnings
- Requires specialist monitoring of blood counts, kidney function, and liver function.
- Can cause severe bone-marrow suppression and serious infections or bleeding.
- Avoid during pregnancy; effective contraception is needed during treatment.
- Do not substitute intravenous and subcutaneous administration without clinical guidance.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Avoid during pregnancy; contraception is recommended during treatment and for six months afterward for women.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for one week after the last dose.
Interactions
- No major interactions are consistently established; tell clinicians about all medicines and supplements.
- Other medicines affecting blood counts or kidney function may increase treatment risks.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.