Decitabine
Generic name: decitabine [ de-SIT-a-been ]
Brand name: Dacogen
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (50 mg)
Drug class:Antimetabolites
What is decitabine?
Decitabine is a cancer medicine that is used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (certain types of blood or bone marrow cancer).
Decitabine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Decitabine affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, cough, mouth sores, or unusual bleeding or bruising.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease; or
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Decitabine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using decitabine.
If you are a woman, do not use decitabine if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using decitabine.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because decitabine can harm an unborn baby.
You should not breastfeed while using decitabine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
How is decitabine given?
Decitabine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
In most cases, a decitabine injection is given every 8 hours for 3 days. This 3-day treatment is usually repeated every 6 weeks at least 4 times.
You may be given other medications to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving decitabine.
Decitabine affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Your doctor will need to examine you on a regular basis.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your decitabine injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Since decitabine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is un...
