Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of conditions that prevent stem cells in your bone marrow from working properly. Stem cells make red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. MDS cause stem cells to grow and increase in number without control or order. The RBCs, WBCs, and platelets produced are faulty and too few in number. This increases your risk for anemia (low levels of RBC), bleeding, infections, and leukemia. MDS usually affect people older than 70 years.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, or have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You have blood in your bowel movement.
- You vomit blood.
- You have a wound that does not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You are dizzy and feel like fainting.
- You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics may help prevent or treat an infection caused by bacteria.
- Steroids may be used to stop your immune system from attacking your body's own cells, such as RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
- Immunosuppressives help stop your immune system from attacking your body's own cells. They may also prevent death of normal RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Lower your risk for bleeding, bruising, and infections:
- Ask which activities are safe for you. Contact sports may increase your risk for bleeding or bruising.
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
- Cover a sneeze or cough. Use a tissue that covers your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue away in a trash can right away. Use the bend of your arm if a tissue is not available. Then wash your hands well with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Do not stand close to anyone who is sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid anyone who has a cold or the flu. Also try to avoid large groups. This will lower your risk for getting sick. Treatment for MDS can lower your ability to fight infection.
- Ask about vaccines you may need. Vaccines help protect you from some bacterial and viral infections. Your healthcare provider may recommend these and other vaccines:
- Ask your healthcare provider about the flu and pneumonia vaccines. All adults should get the flu (influenza) vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 or older to prevent pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia. Adults aged 19 to 49 years who are at high risk for pneumococcal disease should also receive the vaccine. You may need 1 dose or 2. The number depends on the vaccine used and your risk factors.
- COVID-19 vaccines are given to adults as a shot. At least 1 dose of an updated vaccine is recommended for all adults. COVID-19 vaccines are updated throughout the year. Adults 65 or older need a second dose of updated vaccine at least 4 months after the first dose. Your healthcare provider can help you schedule all needed doses as updated vaccines become available.
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Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your doctor or hematologist-oncologist as directed:
It is important for you to go to all follow-up appointments. You will need ongoing tests, and you may need more treatment. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Myelodysplastic Syndromes
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Care guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.