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Azacitidine

Generic name: azacitidine (oral/injection) [ ay-za-SYE-ti-deen ]
Brand names: Onureg, Vidaza
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (100 mg), oral tablet (200 mg; 300 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 9, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is azacitidine?

Azacitidine oral is used to treat acute myeloid leukemia in people who are in remission but cannot finish other treatments for this condition.

Azacitidine injection 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 side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Azacitidine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of azacitidine may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Both men and women using azacitidine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Azacitidine can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.

You should not be treated with azacitidine injection if you are allergic to mannitol, or if you have advanced liver cancer.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use azacitidine if you are allergic to it.

You should not be treated with azacitidine injection if you are allergic to mannitol, or if you have advanced liver cancer.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Azacitidine can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

Azacitidine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because this medicine can harm an unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed while using azacitidine. Also do not breastfeed for at least 1 week after your last dose of Onureg.

How should I use azacitidine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Azacitidine oral (Onureg) is taken by mouth in a 28-day treatment cycle. You may need to take the medicine only during the first 2 weeks of each cycle.

Take Onureg at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Do not use a broken tablet. The medicine from a broken pill can be dangerous if it gets in your mouth, eyes, or nose, or on your skin. If this happens, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water.

If you vomit shortly after taking Onureg, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.

Azacitidine injection (Vidaza) is injected under the skin, or given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection, usually for 7 days in a row every 4 weeks for at least 4 treatment cycles.

If any Vidaza accidentally gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Your treatment schedule may be different. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with azacitidine. Onureg should not be used in place of Vidaza. The oral and injection forms of this medicine have different uses and dosages.

You may also be given medicine to reduce nausea and vomiting. Use this medicine only as prescribed.

Azacitidine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Store Onureg at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Vidaza 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?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect azacitidine?

Other drugs may affect azacitidine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.