When your doctor prescribes a medicine called Azacitidine for you or someone you know, it's normal to feel a little scared and nervous. "What kind of medicine is this?", "What will happen with this?", etc., may arise in your mind. That's normal. So today, let's talk about this medicine in a way that you can understand, very simply, as if you were talking to a friend.
What exactly is azacitidine?
Simply put, Azacitidine is a drug that slows the growth of cancer cells . To be precise, it is a drug that belongs to chemotherapy (`(chemotherapy)`). It is mainly used to treat a blood cancer called ``Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML`).
This medicine controls the division and growth of cancer cells. It also controls the functioning of our body's immune system to some extent.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important that your doctor knows everything about your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor .
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have allergies to azacitidine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant , or breastfeeding , this is very important.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Following the instructions exactly when using this medicine greatly affects the success of the treatment.
- Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water.
- Never break, crush, or chew this pill.
- You can take this before or after a meal. But the most important thing is to take it the same way every day. If you start taking it with food, take it with food every day.
- Take the medicine at the time prescribed by the doctor, at the prescribed intervals.
- Never stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
What if the dosage of the medicine is increased? (Overdose)
Imagine that you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose of medicine. If this happens , immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital without delay.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Things to consider when taking medication
It's important to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medication.
Remember, it's normal to feel a little uncomfortable and lethargic when undergoing chemotherapy. This is because it affects both cancer cells and healthy cells. But don't stop treatment without your doctor's advice for any reason.
Be careful of infections.
Because this medicine weakens your immune system, you are more likely to develop illnesses, especially infections.
- Stay away from people with illnesses like fever and colds as much as possible.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough , it could be a sign of an infection. Do not self-medicate, but call your doctor immediately.
Bleeding and Bruising
This medicine may cause increased bleeding from even a small cut or bruise. Tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual, such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds.
Pregnancy and Fertility
This is a very important part.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant for any reason while taking this medicine and for 6 months after the last dose .
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while you are taking this medicine and for 3 months after your last dose .
- Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for one week after the last dose.
- Follow these instructions carefully as this could cause serious harm to the unborn baby. This medicine may affect the fetus, so talk to your doctor if you have any questions about it.
What are the most common side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, and pain when urinating. |
| Symptoms of anemia | Feeling unusually tired, feeling weak, fainting, difficulty breathing. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Unexplained bruising, bleeding from the gums or nose. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting. |
| Other common features | Loss of appetite, feeling tired. |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep the medicine tightly closed in the original bottle or packet it was received in.
- Do not remove the small packet (desiccant) inside the bottle. It absorbs moisture from the medicine and keeps it dry.
- Throw away expired medications. Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of leftover, unused medications.
Take-Home Message
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop treatment on your own.
- Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
- If you notice signs of infection such as fever, chills, or unusual bleeding, inform your doctor immediately.
- Completely avoid pregnancy (both women and men) during treatment and for as long as your doctor recommends.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
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