Let's learn about Azacitidine tablets for cancer treatment

When a doctor prescribes a new medication for you or a loved one for cancer , it's normal to feel a little apprehensive and curious. Especially if the name of the medication is a bit complicated like Azacitidine. So today, let's talk about this medication called Azacitidine, how to use it, what to watch out for, and what side effects it can cause. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of this medication.

What exactly is Azacitidine?

Simply put, Azacitidine is a drug used to treat certain types of cancer , such as leukemia . In our country, this drug is available under the brand name Onureg . It comes in pill form.

The main thing this medicine does is to control the rapid growth of cancer cells . That is, it slows down the rate at which cancer cells divide and spread. This is like slowing down a speeding car. This controls the growth of cancer cells and helps greatly in controlling the disease.

Doctors may also prescribe this medication for other conditions, so if you have any further questions about this, it's best to ask your doctor.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before you start taking azacitidine tablets, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because that information will determine whether this medicine is suitable for you, and how it should be given. Be sure to tell him about these facts.

• If you currently have any infections: Tell us about any infections such as fever, cough, or cold .
• Low blood cell counts: If your blood tests show low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets , tell your doctor.
• If you have previously had a medical condition called Myelodysplastic syndrome ( MDS ), be sure to inform us.
• Tell us if you have ever had an allergic reaction to azacitidine or any other medicine, food, or dye .
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or your partner is trying to get pregnant: This is a very important point. We will talk about this in more detail later.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: It is not advisable to breastfeed while taking this medicine. So talk to your doctor about that too.

By telling your doctor this information without hiding it, he can plan your treatment in the safest way possible.

How to use the medicine correctly?

To get the most out of this medication, it is essential to use it correctly. Even a small mistake can cause serious side effects.

How to take the medicine

• This pill should be swallowed whole with a glass of water .
• Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. This will help keep the medicine's effects consistent throughout your body.
• Do not break, crush, or chew this tablet. Doing so may change the way the medicine works and may cause unwanted side effects.
• You can take this medicine before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea, taking it with food may help reduce the discomfort.
• If you experience any side effects, your doctor may change the dose of your medication or tell you to stop taking it for a while. Never change or stop your medication without your doctor's advice.

Understand the "Cycles" method exactly

This medication is often given in "cycles." This means that there are days when you should take the medication and days when you should not take it. For example, you may be given a schedule of taking the medication for 14 days and then not taking it for the next 14 days. This schedule will vary depending on your condition.

Be very careful when handling the medicine.

This is not like a normal medicine. It affects cancer cells, so it is not good for a healthy person to be exposed to it.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling the medicine.
• If possible, wear gloves when handling the pill or bottle. This will help prevent the medicine from coming into contact with your skin.
• Seek further advice from your doctor about this.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What if I miss my medication?

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
• If you vomit after taking the pill, do not take another pill that day. Take the pill at your usual time the next day.

Special considerations when taking this medicine

It is very important to pay close attention to your body while taking azacitidine.

Regular medical checkups

While you are taking this treatment, your doctor will check you regularly. In particular, you will need to have regular blood tests to see how the medicine is affecting your body. Do not skip these tests, as they are what ensure the success and safety of the treatment.

It's normal to feel a little sore.

Since this is a chemotherapy drug, it can affect cancer cells as well as some healthy cells in our body. Therefore, it is normal to feel tired and lethargic during treatment. However, tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. Do not stop treatment because you feel unwell unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Nausea and vomiting

This medicine can cause nausea and vomiting. To prevent this, your doctor will prescribe other medicines to take before you take the azacitidine pill. It is important to take those medicines on time.

Protect yourself from infections

Azacytadine can reduce our body's immunity, which means we are more likely to get sick.

• If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough , call your doctor immediately. Do not take medication on your own.
• Minimize going to crowded places as much as possible.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• Do not take pain or fever medications such as Paracetamol, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen without consulting your doctor. These medications can suppress your fever. Fever is a sign of infection, so it is important for your doctor to know.

Watch out for bleeding and bruising.

This medicine can reduce the number of platelets, which help blood clot. Therefore, even a minor injury may cause increased bleeding, and you may also develop bruises on your body.

• If you notice anything unusual on your body, such as unusual bruising, bleeding gums, or nosebleeds, tell your doctor.
• Use a soft bristle toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Be very careful when flossing between your teeth.
• If you are going to have any dental treatment, tell the dentist that you are taking this medicine.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility

This is an area that requires the most attention.

• Women: You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping treatment . You should use a highly effective method of birth control. You should take a pregnancy test before starting treatment to make sure you are not pregnant.
• Men: If your partner is able to get pregnant, you must use a condom when having sex while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment .
• Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding completely while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping treatment .
• Fertility: This medicine may temporarily or permanently affect your ability to have children. If you are planning to have children in the future, talk to your doctor about this before starting treatment.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, azacitidine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets all of these side effects. Let's break these down into two categories.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

How do you keep your medicine safe?

• Keep it in a safe place out of reach of small children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
• Keep the medicine in the original bottle or package it came in. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Do not remove the small packet (silica gel packet) inside the bottle. It only absorbs moisture inside the bottle and keeps the medicine dry.
• Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them safely. Consult your doctor about this.

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