We know that getting treatment for cancer is not as easy as you think. Especially when you are prescribed a medicine like `Decitabine`, it is normal to have a lot of questions in your mind. 'What will happen with this?', 'What should I be careful about?', 'What are the side effects?' You may also have questions in your mind. Don't worry. You are not alone. So today, let's talk about this medicine called `Decitabine` in a simple way, in a way that you can understand.
What is this medicine called Decitabine?
Simply put, `Decitabine` is a drug that treats cancer. We call this `chemotherapy` medicine. The main function of this drug is to control the growth of cancer cells, that is, to reduce them.
This is especially used to treat adults with a condition called `Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) . `MDS` is a disease that affects the process of making blood cells in our bone marrow. This medicine works by controlling the growth of those abnormal cells. Sometimes your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting treatment with Decitabine, it is important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health condition. This will help you receive the safest treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Current infections: For example, mention any infections, including viral infections such as chickenpox and herpes.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney problems.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver-related condition.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to Decitabine or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child.
Providing this information to the medical team is very important for your safety.
How will this medicine be given to you?
This medicine is not something you can take home. Decitabine is a medicine that is given intravenously. To be precise, it is given as an infusion, which is a drop by drop of saline solution into a vein.
This treatment is always performed in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a doctor or trained health professional, so you are in safe hands.
If you are giving this medicine to young children, discuss it carefully with your doctor or pediatrician, as special care is required.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
This is a medicine given in a hospital, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you think you have overdosed in any way, inform the medical staff immediately. In general, if you take too much medicine, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In an emergency, you should go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately.
What to do if you miss a dose?
It is very important to take your medication on time and on the scheduled date for this treatment. If for some reason you are unable to come to the hospital on the scheduled date, call your doctor or medical team immediately and inform them.
Things you should pay special attention to during treatment
It is important to pay attention to changes in your body throughout the course of your treatment with Decitabine.
Physical discomfort and medical tests
Chemotherapy can affect cancer cells as well as some healthy cells in our body. So, it is normal to feel tired, uncomfortable, and sore during treatment. Don't worry about it. But, tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. It is important to continue treatment, even if it is difficult, until your doctor tells you to stop.
During this time, you will need to have regular blood tests to check your blood levels.
Be careful of infections.
Decitabine reduces your body's ability to fight disease, or immunity . This can make you more susceptible to infections.
- If you develop symptoms of a cold such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately .
- Stay as far away from crowded places and people who are sick as possible.
Watch out for bleeding and bruising.
This medicine may reduce the number of platelets in your blood, which help blood clot. This increases the risk of bleeding and bruising .
- Check for bruises on your body.
- Look for pinpoint red spots on the skin.
- If you have black, tarry stools, or if you have blood in your urine, tell your doctor immediately.
Important facts about pregnancy and fertility
This is a very important matter.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping treatment.
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment.
- This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb.
- Do not breastfeed your baby during treatment or for 2 weeks after stopping treatment.
- For men, this medication may have some effect on fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it openly.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Decitabine can have side effects. Some of them need to be reported immediately, while others usually come and go.
| Decitabine side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Decreased blood cell count | This medicine can cause a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, which increases the risk of infection and bleeding. |
| Signs of infection | Fever or chills, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Bruises on the body, small red spots on the skin, black stools, and blood in the urine. |
| Symptoms of low red blood cells | Feeling unusually tired or weak, fainting, or dizzy. |
| Increased blood sugar levels | Your doctor will check this. |
| Side effects that may occur commonly, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite. |
| Other general characteristics | Headache, skin rash or itching, dehydration, weakness or fatigue. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, tell your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Decitabine is a treatment that is given through a vein in a hospital to control the growth of cancer cells.
- Be very careful of infections (fever, cough) and bleeding (bruising) during treatment. If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to inform your doctor before starting treatment.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (even painkillers).
- Talk openly with your treating doctor about any questions, fears, or concerns you may have. They are there to help you.
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