Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Vidaza

Generic Name: azacitidine (Pronunciation: ay za SYE ti deen)

• What is azacitidine (Vidaza)?
• What are the possible side effects of azacitidine (Vidaza)?
• What is the most important information I should know about azacitidine (Vidaza)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving azacitidine (Vidaza)?
• How is azacitidine given (Vidaza)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Vidaza)?
• What happens if I overdose (Vidaza)?
• What should I avoid while using azacitidine (Vidaza)?
• What other drugs will affect azacitidine (Vidaza)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is azacitidine (Vidaza)?

Azacitidine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Azacitidine is used to treat certain types of bone marrow cancers and blood cell disorders.

Azacitidine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of azacitidine (Vidaza)?

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;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• dry mouth, increased thirst, confusion, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting;
• pain, itching, burning, bleeding, or skin changes where the injection was given;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• seizure (black-out or convulsions);
• urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Less serious side effects may include:

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• redness where the injection was given;
• headache; or
• 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 is the most important information I should know about azacitidine (Vidaza)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to azacitidine or mannitol, or if you have liver cancer.

Before receiving azacitidine, 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 azacitidine.

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 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.

Azacitidine 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.

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