Xpreza Injection (Azacitidine)

What is Azacitidine?

Azacitidine is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Azacitidine is used to treat certain types of bone marrow cancers and blood cell disorders. Azacitidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Azacitidine Injection, also known by the brand name Xpreza, is a medication used for the treatment of certain types of blood disorders, specifically myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). MDS is a group of disorders characterized by the abnormal production of blood cells in the bone marrow. Azacitidine is classified as a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor and works by preventing the growth of cancer cells.Vidaza is a brand name for the medication azacitidine injection. It is an important treatment option for certain blood disorders, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Azacitidine is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor that works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in the bone marrow. It helps to normalize blood cell production in individuals with MDS or AML. Azacitidine is typically administered as an injection under the skin or into a vein by a healthcare professional. Regular monitoring of blood cell counts and liver function is important during azacitidine treatment. It is crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits of azacitidine with a healthcare provider and follow their guidance throughout the treatment process.

Uses of Azacitidine Injection (Xpreza)

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Azacitidine is primarily used to treat MDS, which are a group of bone marrow disorders characterized by ineffective blood cell production. It can be beneficial for patients with all subtypes of MDS, including those with higher-risk disease, lower-risk disease, or with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Azacitidine may be used as a treatment option for older patients with AML who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications.

What is the most important information I should know about Azacitidine?

You should not receive this medicine if you have liver cancer.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving Azacitidine?

You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to azacitidine/Vidaza or mannitol, or if you have: liver cancer. To make sure azacitidine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease; or a history of liver disease. Do not use azacitidine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving azacitidine, whether you are a man or a woman. If a man fathers a baby while using azacitidine, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment, and for at least 4 weeks after your treatment ends. It is not known whether azacitidine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

How is Azacitidine given?

Azacitidine is injected under the skin, or into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. This medicine 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. You may also be given medications to reduce nausea and vomiting while you are receiving azacitidine. Tell your caregiver right away if azacitidine accidentally gets on your skin. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water. Azacitidine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your azacitidine injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Azacitidine?

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry, or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from another laundry. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection. Do not receive a "live" vaccine while receiving azacitidine, 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. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

Azacitidine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; redness, swelling, warmth, oozing, or other signs of skin infection; stabbing chest pain, wheezing, cough with yellow or green mucus, feeling short of breath; low blood cell counts--fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, rapid heart rate, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling light-headed; kidney problems--lower back pain, blood in your urine, little or no urinating, swelling in your feet or ankles; liver problems--upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, extreme thirst, increased urination, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or signs of tumor cell breakdown--numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth; muscle weakness or tightness; fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, feeling short of breath; confusion, fainting.

Common side effects may include fever, chills, bruising, or other signs of low blood cell counts; low potassium; nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea; weakness; or redness or other irritation where the injection was given.

Azacitidine/Vidaza dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Myelodysplastic Syndrome:

-First Treatment Cycle: 75 mg/m2/day via subcutaneous injection or IV infusion for 7 days; repeat cycles every 4 weeks.
-Subsequent Cycles: After 2 treatment cycles, may increase the dose to 100 mg/m2 if no beneficial effect is seen and if no toxicity other than nausea and vomiting has occurred.
-Duration of Therapy: Minimum of 4 to 6 cycles; may continue treatment as long as the patient continues to benefit.

Comments: Premedicate patients for nausea and vomiting.

Use: Treatment of patients with the following French-American-British (FAB) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) subtypes: refractory anemia (RA) or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS) if accompanied by neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or requiring transfusions; refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB); refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-T); and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMMoL).

What other drugs will affect Azacitidine/Vidaza?

Other drugs may interact with azacitidine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

FAQs

Q: Can Azacitidine Injection be used in children?

A: The safety and effectiveness of Azacitidine Injection in pediatric patients have not been established. Its use in children should be determined by a pediatric oncologist or hematologist.

Q: How is Azacitidine Injection administered?

A: Azacitidine Injection is administered as an injection into the subcutaneous tissue (under the skin) or into a vein (intravenous infusion) by a healthcare professional.

Q: How often is Azacitidine Injection given?

A: The dosing schedule for Azacitidine Injection may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the individual patient. It is typically given daily for a certain number of days, followed by a rest period. This cycle is usually repeated monthly.