Azacitidine is given to treat patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). It changes the structure of DNA in abnormal blood forming cells made in the bone marrow. Normal blood cells are then restored.
How It Is Given
- Injections are given under the skin into fatty tissues.
- Doses can be divided into two syringes and injected into two separate sites.
- Injections are given for 7 days, every 28 days. (They may be given 5 days in a row. Rest for 2 days, and then given for 2 more days. For instance: give: Monday – Friday, rest the weekend, resume Monday – Tuesday).
Common Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting - Pre medications will be given
- Reduced blood counts. Your health care team will discuss with you if you need a blood transfusion..
- An injection site reaction – raised, red, bruised, and tender
- Fatigue, arthralgia (joint pain)
Less Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
When to Call your Health Care Provider
- Fever of 100.8° F or greater
- Bleeding
- Inability to eat or drink
- A painful injection site not relieved with Tylenol® or Benadryl® cream or lotion
- Constipation not relieved with stool softener and/or Milk of Magnesia®.
Special Concerns
- Rotate the injection sites at least 1 inch apart; inject under skin not in muscle.
- Never inject in an area that is tender, bruised, red, or hard.
- Never use ice before or after an injection. This may decrease the absorption of the drug.
- Never use hot compresses. This may increase the symptoms or cause blisters to form at the injection site.
- You may apply cold or warm compresses for 24 hours after the injection.
- Use precautions to prevent pregnancy.
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