Vidaza
Generic Name: azacitidine (ay za SYE ti deen)
Brand Names: Vidaza
What is Vidaza?
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Vidaza is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Vidaza is used to treat certain types of bone marrow cancers and blood cell disorders.
Vidaza may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Vidaza
Do not use Vidaza if you are allergic to azacitidine or mannitol, or if you have liver cancer.Before receiving Vidaza, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 4 weeks after you stop using Vidaza.
Tell your caregiver right away if this medication accidentally gets on your skin. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with Vidaza, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.Vidaza can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving Vidaza?
You should not be given Vidaza if you are allergic to azacitidine or mannitol, or if you have advanced liver cancer.If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication. Before you receive Vidaza, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
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a history of liver cancer.
If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 4 weeks after you stop using Vidaza.
It is not known whether Vidaza passes into breast milk, but it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. You may need to either stop nursing or stop receiving Vidaza.How is Vidaza given?
Vidaza is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein, or as a shot given under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.
Vidaza must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 40 minutes to complete. If you are receiving a shot under your skin, you may require two injections to complete your dose.
You may also be given medications to reduce nausea and vomiting while you are receiving Vidaza.
This medication is usually given for 7 days in a row every 4 weeks for at least 4 treatment cycles. Your treatment schedule may be different. Follow your doctor's instructions.Tell your caregiver right away if this medication accidentally gets on your skin. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Vidaza can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your Vidaza injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.Overdose can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while using Vidaza?
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Avoid getting any of this medicine on your skin. If this does happen, tell your caregiver right away and wash the area with soap and warm water.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with Vidaza, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.Vidaza side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
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dry mouth, increased thirst, confusion, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting;
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pain, itching, burning, bleeding, or skin changes where the injection was given;
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feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
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swelling, rapid weight gain;
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black, bloody, or tarry stools;
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coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
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seizure (black-out or convulsions);
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urinating less than usual or not at all; or
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severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Less serious Vidaza side effects may include:
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white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
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mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
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diarrhea, constipation;
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redness where the injection was given;
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headache; or
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joint pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Vidaza?
There may be other drugs that can interact with Vidaza. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about Vidaza.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Vidaza only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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More Vidaza resources
azacitidine Subcutaneous - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
