About decitabine
DNA methyltransferase inhibitor chemotherapy
Used for
- Treats certain types of myelodysplastic syndrome, including some cases now classified as acute myeloid leukemia.
Usual adult dose
Usually 20 mg/m² by intravenous infusion daily for five days, repeated every four weeks; another regimen is 15 mg/m² every eight hours for three days.
Common side effects
- Low blood-cell counts, increasing infection, bleeding, and anemia risk
- Fever, fatigue, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea
- Pneumonia and other infections
- Infusion-site reactions
Important warnings
- Can cause severe or prolonged low blood-cell counts and serious infections or bleeding.
- Blood counts require monitoring; treatment may need to be delayed or adjusted.
- May harm an unborn baby; effective contraception is needed during treatment.
- Use caution with liver or kidney problems.
Pregnancy
May cause fetal harm. Avoid during pregnancy; effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for a period afterward.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least two weeks after the final dose.
Interactions
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow may increase blood-count complications.
- No major specific drug interactions are firmly established; disclose all medicines to the oncology team.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.