When you or someone in your family is diagnosed with cancer and your doctor tells you that you will have to start chemotherapy as a treatment, it is normal to feel a lot of fear and anxiety. But when you are properly informed about this treatment, that fear can be reduced to a great extent. Today we are talking about a drug called Azacitidine, which is given to several specific types of cancer. Let us talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Azacitidine?
Simply put, Azacitidine is a chemotherapy drug. It is mainly used to treat two types of blood cancers.
1. Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): This is a disease related to the bone marrow.
2. Some types of leukemia: That is, several types of blood cancer.
The main thing this medicine does is to slow down the growth of cancer cells and kill them . This medicine also controls the functioning of our body's immune system to some extent. This is why we need to be very careful when taking this medicine.
How can I give you this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Azacitidine is a subcutaneous injection . It is always given to you in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse who is specially trained in this. So you don't need to worry about how the medicine is given.
In some special cases, this medicine can also be given to children. However, this decision is made by a pediatrician. Therefore, ask your doctor for more information about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting treatment with azacitidine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
| Health status | What to tell the doctor |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | If you have any kidney disease. |
| Liver disease | If you have liver disease or liver tumors. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to azacitidine, mannitol, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant. |
| Breastfeeding | If you are breastfeeding your baby. |
Things we should be especially careful about when taking medicine
Your body will change while you are taking this medicine, so be very careful about these things.
Increased risk of infection
Since this medicine lowers your immunity , you are more likely to get sick, especially infections. Therefore, stay away from people who have symptoms like fever, cold, cough, and sore throat as much as possible. If you develop fever, chills, cough, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor immediately.
Increased risk of bleeding
This medicine can reduce the number of platelets that help blood clot. Therefore, even a small injury may cause increased bleeding and cause unnecessary bruising. If you notice blue bruises all over your body, small red spots on your skin, black stools, or blood in your urine , tell your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy and having children
This is a very important point.
- Women: Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after the last dose .
- Men: Do not try to conceive a child while you are taking this medicine and for 3 months after the last dose .
- This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby. Also, do not breastfeed during treatment and for one week after the last dose.
Other medications
Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (medicines for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines, supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol. Some things can interact with this medicine.
Don't miss treatment.
It is very important to go to the clinic on the scheduled day to take your medication. If for some reason you are unable to go, inform the doctor or hospital.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
As with any chemotherapy treatment, some side effects may occur when taking this medicine. Some are serious, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, go to the doctor or the hospital's ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Bruises on the body, red spots on the skin, black stools, blood in the urine. |
| Symptoms of low red blood cells | Unusual fatigue, frequent weakness, dizziness, blue eyes. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, nausea. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased urine output or difficulty urinating. |
| If these things persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Food system problems | Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. |
| Vaccination site | Pain or redness at the injection site. |
| Common discomforts | Lifeless body, unusual tiredness. |
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about anything that seems unusual to you. Do not make decisions on your own. If you suspect an overdose, immediately report it to the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest ETU.
Take-Home Message
- Azacitidine is a special anti-cancer vaccine given in a hospital.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your illnesses and all medications you take.
- There is a higher risk of infection and bleeding when taking this medicine. So be aware of things like fever and bruising. If anything like that happens, tell your doctor right away.
- Avoid pregnancy completely (both women and men) during treatment and for as long as your doctor advises.
- Don't miss attending clinics and getting blood tests on time.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions, fears, or doubts that come to your mind.
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