reduce [1%):<30 mL/minute), compared to patients with normal renal function. This increase in exposure did not correlate with increased adverse effects. Use: Labeled Indications Myelodysplastic syndromes: Treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in patients with the following French-American-British (FAB) classification subtypes: Refractory anemia or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (if accompanied by neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or requiring transfusions), refractory anemia with excess blasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Off Label Uses Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients requiring low-intensity therapy Data from a phase III randomized trial supports the use of azacitidine in the management of patients requiring low-intensity therapy for AML [Fenaux 2010] . Contraindications Hypersensitivity to azacitidine, mannitol, or any component of the formulation; advanced malignant hepatic tumors Dosing: Adult Note: Azacitidine is associated with a moderate emetic potential (Basch 2011; Roila 2010); antiemetics are recommended to prevent nausea and vomiting. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): IV, SubQ: Initial cycle: 75 mg/m 2 /day for 7 days. Subsequent cycles: 75 mg/m 2 /day for 7 days every 4 weeks; dose may be increased to 100 mg/m 2 /day if no benefit is observed after 2 cycles and no toxicity other than nausea and vomiting have occurred. Patients should be treated for a minimum of 4 to 6 cycles; treatment may be continued as long as patient continues to benefit. Note: Alternate (off-label) schedules (which have produced hematologic response) have been used for convenience in community oncology centers (Lyons 2009): SubQ: 75 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days (Mon-Fri), 2 days rest (Sat, Sun), then 75 mg/m 2 /day for 2 days (Mon, Tues); repeat cycle every 28 days or 50 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days (Mon-Fri), 2 days rest (Sat, Sun), then 50 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days (Mon-Fri); repeat cycle every 28 days or 75 mg/m 2 /day for 5 days (Mon-Fri), repeat cycle every 28 days Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (off-label use): SubQ: 75 mg/m 2 /day for 7 days every 4 weeks for at least 6 cycles; treatment may be continued as long as patient continues to benefit or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Fenaux 2010). Dose reductions and/or therapy interruption may be required for hematologic toxicity. Dosage adjustment based on serum electrolytes: If serum bicarbonate falls to> <20 mEq/L (unexplained decrease): Reduce dose by 50% for next treatment course. Dosing: Geriatric Refer to adult dosing. Due to the potential for decreased renal function in the elderly, select dose carefully and closely monitor renal function. Dosing: Renal Impairment Renal impairment at baseline: Mild to moderate impairment (CrCl 30 mL/minute): No dosage adjustment necessary (Douvali 2012). Severe impairment (CrCl> <30 mL/minute): No dosage adjustment necessary for cycle 1; azacitidine and its metabolites are excreted renally, monitor closely for toxicity. Renal toxicity during treatment: Unexplained increases in BUN or serum creatinine: Delay next cycle until values reach baseline or normal, then reduce dose by 50% for next treatment course. Dosing: Hepatic Impairment No dosage adjustment provided in the manufacturer s labeling (has not been studied). Use is contraindicated in patients with advanced malignant hepatic tumors. Dosing: Adjustment for Toxicity Hematologic toxicity: MDS: For baseline WBC 3,000/mm 3 , ANC 1,500/mm 3 , and platelets 75,000/mm 3 : Nadir count: ANC> <500/mm 3 or platelets> <25,000/mm 3 : Administer 50% of dose during next treatment course Nadir count: ANC 500/mm 3 to 1,500/mm 3 or platelets 25,000 to 50,000/mm 3 : Administer 67% of dose during next treatment course Nadir count: ANC> 1,500/mm 3 or platelets >50,000/mm 3 : Administer 100% of dose during next treatment course For baseline WBC <3,000/mm 3 , ANC> <1,500/mm 3 , or platelets> <75,000/mm 3 : Adjust dose as follows based on nadir counts and bone marrow biopsy cellularity at the time of nadir, unless clear improvement in differentiation at the time of the next cycle: WBC or platelet nadir decreased 50% to 75% from baseline and bone marrow biopsy cellularity at time of nadir 30% to 60%: Administer 100% of dose during next treatment course WBC or platelet nadir decreased 50% to 75% from baseline and bone marrow biopsy cellularity at time of nadir 15% to 30%: Administer 50% of dose during next treatment course WBC or platelet nadir decreased 50% to 75% from baseline and bone marrow biopsy cellularity at time of nadir> <15%: Administer 33% of dose during next treatment course WBC or platelet nadir decreased> 75% from baseline and bone marrow biopsy cellularity at time of nadir 30% to 60%: Administer 75% of dose during next treatment course WBC or platelet nadir decreased >75% from baseline and bone marrow biopsy cellularity at time of nadir 15% to 30%: Administer 50% of dose during next treatment course WBC or platelet nadir decreased >75% from baseline and bone marrow biopsy cellularity at time of nadir <15%: Administer 33% of dose during next treatment course Note: If a nadir defined above occurs, administer the next treatment course 28 days after the start of the preceding course as long as WBC and platelet counts are> 25% above the nadir and rising. If a >25% increase above the nadir is not seen by day 28, reassess counts every 7 days. If a 25% increase is not seen by day 42, administer 50% of the scheduled dose. Reconstitution If reconstituted solution comes in contact with skin, wash immediately and thoroughly with soap and water; if comes in contact with mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water. IV: Reconstitute vial with 10 mL SWFI to form a 10 mg/mL solution; vigorously shake or roll vial until solution is dissolved and clear. Mix in 50 to 100 mL of NS or lactated Ringer's injection for infusion. SubQ: Slowly add 4 mL SWFI to each vial, resulting in a concentration of 25 mg/mL. Vigorously shake or roll vial until a suspension is formed (suspension will be cloudy). The manufacturer recommends dividing doses >4 mL equally into 2 syringes. Do not filter after reconstitution (may remove active drug). Resuspend contents of syringe by vigorously rolling between palms immediately prior to administration. Discard unused portion (does not contain preservatives); do not save unused portions for later administration. Administration Azacitidine is associated with a moderate emetic potential (Basch 2011; Dupuis 2011; Roila 2010); antiemetics are recommended to prevent nausea and vomiting. SubQ: The manufacturer recommends equally dividing volumes >4 mL into 2 syringes and injecting into 2 separate sites; however, policies for maximum SubQ administration volume may vary by institution; interpatient variations may also apply. Rotate sites for each injection (thigh, abdomen, or upper arm). Administer subsequent injections at least 1 inch from previous injection sites; do not inject into tender, bruised, red, or hard areas. Allow refrigerated suspensions to come to room temperature (up to 30 minutes) prior to administration. Resuspend by inverting the syringe 2 to 3 times and then rolling the syringe between the palms for 30 seconds. IV: Infuse over 10 to 40 minutes; infusion must be completed within 1 hour of (vial) reconstitution. If azacitidine suspension comes in contact with the skin, immediately wash with soap and water. If it comes into contact with mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water. Storage Prior to reconstitution, store intact vials at room temperature of 25 C (77 F); excursions permitted to 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). IV solution: Solutions for IV administration have very limited stability and must be prepared immediately prior to each dose. Administration must be completed within 1 hour of (vial) reconstitution. SubQ suspension: Following reconstitution, suspension may be stored at room temperature for up to 1 hour prior to immediate administration (administer within 1 hour of reconstitution). If administration is delayed, refrigerate reconstituted suspension immediately (either in vial or syringe); may be stored for up to 8 hours (if reconstituted with room temperature SWFI) or up to 22 hours (if reconstituted with refrigerated SWFI). After removal from refrigerator, may be allowed up to 30 minutes to reach room temperature prior to immediate administration. Drug Interactions BCG (Intravesical): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination BCG (Intravesical): Myelosuppressive Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination CloZAPine: Myelosuppressive Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CloZAPine. Specifically, the risk for neutropenia may be increased. Monitor therapy Coccidioides immitis Skin Test: Immunosuppressants may diminish the diagnostic effect of Coccidioides immitis Skin Test. Monitor therapy Deferiprone: Myelosuppressive Agents may enhance the neutropenic effect of Deferiprone. Avoid combination Denosumab: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Specifically, the risk for serious infections may be increased. Monitor therapy Dipyrone: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Myelosuppressive Agents. Specifically, the risk for agranulocytosis and pancytopenia may be increased Avoid combination Echinacea: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification Fingolimod: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Fingolimod. Management: Avoid the concomitant use of fingolimod and other immunosuppressants when possible. If combined, monitor patients closely for additive immunosuppressant effects (eg, infections). Consider therapy modification Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Leflunomide. Specifically, the risk for hematologic toxicity such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and/or thrombocytopenia may be increased. Management: Consider not using a leflunomide loading dose in patients receiving other immunosuppressants. Patients receiving both leflunomide and another immunosuppressant should be monitored for bone marrow suppression at least monthly. Consider therapy modification Lenograstim: Antineoplastic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lenograstim. Management: Avoid the use of lenograstim 24 hours before until 24 hours after the completion of myelosuppressive cytotoxic chemotherapy. Consider therapy modification Lipegfilgrastim: Antineoplastic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lipegfilgrastim. Management: Avoid concomitant use of lipegfilgrastim and myelosuppressive cytotoxic chemotherapy. Lipegfilgrastim should be administered at least 24 hours after the completion of myelosuppressive cytotoxic chemotherapy. Consider therapy modification Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Natalizumab. Specifically, the risk of concurrent infection may be increased. Avoid combination Nivolumab: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Nivolumab. Consider therapy modification Ocrelizumab: May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Immunosuppressants. Monitor therapy Palifermin: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antineoplastic Agents. Specifically, the duration and severity of oral mucositis may be increased. Management: Do not administer palifermin within 24 hours before, during infusion of, or within 24 hours after administration of myelotoxic chemotherapy. Consider therapy modification Pidotimod: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Pidotimod. Monitor therapy Pimecrolimus: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination Promazine: May enhance the myelosuppressive effect of Myelosuppressive Agents. Monitor therapy Roflumilast: May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification Sipuleucel-T: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sipuleucel-T. Monitor therapy Tacrolimus (Topical): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination Tertomotide: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Tertomotide. Monitor therapy Tofacitinib: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Tofacitinib. Management: Concurrent use with antirheumatic doses of methotrexate or nonbiologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is permitted, and this warning seems particularly focused on more potent immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification Trastuzumab: May enhance the neutropenic effect of Immunosuppressants. Monitor therapy Vaccines (Inactivated): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Inactivated). Management: Vaccine efficacy may be reduced. Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to starting an immunosuppressant. If vaccinated during immunosuppressant therapy, revaccinate at least 3 months after immunosuppressant discontinuation. Consider therapy modification Vaccines (Live): Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vaccines (Live). Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Live). Management: Avoid use of live organism vaccines with immunosuppressants; live-attenuated vaccines should not be given for at least 3 months after immunosuppressants. Avoid combination Adverse Reactions >10%: Cardiovascular: Peripheral edema (7% to 19%), chest pain (16%) Central nervous system: Fatigue (13% to 36%), rigors (26%), headache (22%), dizziness (19%), anxiety (5% to 13%), depression (12%), malaise (11%), pain (11%), insomnia (9% to 11%) Dermatologic: Erythema (7% to 17%), pallor (16%), skin lesion (15%), skin rash (10% to 14%), pruritus (12%), diaphoresis (11%) Endocrine & metabolic: Weight loss ( 16%), pitting edema (15%), hypokalemia (6% to 13%) Gastrointestinal: Nausea (48% to 71%), vomiting (27% to 54%), constipation (34% to 50%), diarrhea (36%), anorexia (13% to 21%), abdominal pain (11% to 16%), abdominal tenderness (12%) Hematologic & oncologic: Thrombocytopenia (66% to 70%; grades 3/4: 58%), anemia (51% to 70%; grades 3/4: 14%), neutropenia (32% to 66%; grades 3/4: 61%), leukopenia (18% to 48%; grades 3/4: 15%), bruise (19% to 31%), petechia (11% to 24%), febrile neutropenia (14% to 16%; grades 3/4: 13%), bone marrow depression (nadir: days 10 to 17; recovery: days 28 to 31) Local: Injection site reactions (14% to 29%): Erythema (35% to 43%; more common with IV administration), pain (19% to 23%; more common with IV administration), bruising (5% to 14%) Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness (29%), arthralgia (22%), limb pain (20%), back pain (19%), myalgia (16%) Respiratory: Cough (11% to 30%), dyspnea (5% to 29%), pharyngitis (20%), epistaxis (16%), nasopharyngitis (15%), upper respiratory infection (9% to 13%), pneumonia (11%), rales (9% to 11%) Miscellaneous: Fever (30% to 52%) 5% to 10%: Cardiovascular: Heart murmur (10%), tachycardia (9%), hypertension ( 9%), hypotension (7%), syncope (6%), chest wall pain (5%) Central nervous system: Lethargy (7% to 8%), hypoesthesia (5%), postoperative pain (5%) Dermatologic: Night sweats (9%), cellulitis (8%), rash at injection site (6%), urticaria (6%), skin nodules (5%), xeroderma (5%) Gastrointestinal: Gingival hemorrhage (10%), stomatitis (8%), hemorrhoids (7%), dyspepsia (6% to 7%), abdominal distention (6%), loose stools (6%), dysphagia (5%), tongue ulcer (5%) Genitourinary: Urinary tract infection (8% to 9%), dysuria (8%), hematuria ( 6%) Hematologic & oncologic: Lymphadenopathy (10%), hematoma (9%), oral mucosal petechiae (8%), postprocedural hemorrhage (6%), oral hemorrhage (5%) Hypersensitivity: Transfusion reaction (7%) Infection: Herpes simplex infection (9%) Local: Itching at injection site (7%), hematoma at injection site (6%), induration at injection site (5%), injection site granuloma (5%), skin discoloration at injection site (5%), swelling at injection site (5%) Neuromuscular & skeletal: Muscle cramps (6%) Respiratory: Rhinorrhea (10%), wheezing (9%), abnormal breath sounds (8%), nasal congestion (6%), pharyngolaryngeal pain (6%), pleural effusion (6%), post nasal drip (6%), rhinitis (6%), rhonchi (6%), atelectasis (5%), sinusitis (5%) Miscellaneous: Lymphadenopathy (10%), herpes simplex (9%), night sweats (9%), transfusion reaction (7%), mouth hemorrhage (5%) <5% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Abscess (limb, perirectal), aggravated bone pain, agranulocytosis, anaphylactic shock, atrial fibrillation, azotemia, bacterial infection, blastomycosis, bone marrow failure, cardiac failure, catheter site hemorrhage, cellulitis, cerebral hemorrhage, cholecystectomy, cholecystitis, congestive cardiomyopathy, decreased serum bicarbonate, dehydration, diverticulitis, fibrosis (interstitial and alveolar), gastrointestinal hemorrhage, glycosuria, hemophthalmos, hemoptysis, hepatic coma, hypersensitivity reaction, hypophosphatemia, increased serum creatinine, injection site infection, interstitial pulmonary disease, intracranial hemorrhage, leukemia cutis, melena, necrotizing fasciitis, neutropenic sepsis, orthostatic hypotension, pancytopenia, pneumonitis, polyuria, pulmonary infiltrates, pyoderma gangrenosum, renal failure, renal tubular acidosis, respiratory distress, seizure, sepsis, sepsis syndrome, septic shock, splenomegaly, Sweet's syndrome, tissue necrosis at injection site, toxoplasmosis, tumor lysis syndrome Warnings/Precautions Concerns related to adverse effects: Bone marrow suppression: Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia are common; may cause therapy delays and/or dosage reductions. Monitor blood counts prior to each cycle (at a minimum), and as clinically indicated. Adjust dose in subsequent cycles based on nadir counts and hematologic response. Hepatotoxicity: May cause hepatotoxicity in patients with preexisting hepatic impairment. Progressive hepatic coma leading to death has been reported in patients with extensive tumor burden due to metastatic disease, especially those with a baseline albumin> <30 g/L. Patients with hepatic impairment were excluded from clinical studies for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Use is contraindicated in patients with advanced malignant hepatic tumors. Monitor liver function tests prior to therapy initiation and before each cycle. Gastrointestinal toxicity: Azacitidine is associated with a moderate emetic potential (Basch 2011; Dupuis 2011; Roila 2010); antiemetics are recommended to prevent nausea and vomiting. Injection site reactions: Injection site reactions commonly occurred with subcutaneous administration. Nephrotoxicity: Renal toxicities, including serum creatinine elevations, renal tubular acidosis (serum bicarbonate decrease to> <20 mEq/L associated with alkaline urine and serum potassium> <3 mEq/L), and renal failure (some fatal), have been reported with intravenous azacitidine when used in combination with other chemotherapy agents. Monitor serum creatinine and electrolytes prior to therapy initiation and before each cycle. Withhold or reduce the dose with unexplained decreases in serum bicarbonate> <20 mEq/L or if elevations in BUN or serum creatinine occur. Patients with renal impairment may be at increased risk for renal toxicity. Monitor closely for toxicity in patients with severe renal impairment (azacitidine and metabolites are excreted renally). Tumor lysis syndrome: May cause serious or fatal tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS has occurred in patients despite receiving antihyperuricemic therapy (eg, allopurinol). Assess TLS risk at baseline and monitor for TLS symptoms; treat accordingly. Concurrent drug therapy issues: Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information. Dosage form specific issues: Polysorbate 80: Some dosage forms may contain polysorbate 80 (also known as Tweens). Hypersensitivity reactions, usually a delayed reaction, have been reported following exposure to pharmaceutical products containing polysorbate 80 in certain individuals (Isaksson 2002; Lucente 2000; Shelley 1995). Thrombocytopenia, ascites, pulmonary deterioration, and renal and hepatic failure have been reported in premature neonates after receiving parenteral products containing polysorbate 80 (Alade 1986; CDC 1984). See manufacturer s labeling. Monitoring Parameters Monitor liver function tests, electrolytes, CBC with differential and platelets, renal function (BUN and serum creatinine) at baseline, prior to each cycle, and more frequently if indicated. Also monitor for hematologic response, nausea/vomiting, and for injection site reactions. Pregnancy Considerations Adverse events were observed in animal reproduction studies. Based on its mechanism of action, azacitidine may cause fetal harm if administered during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid pregnancy during treatment; verify pregnancy status prior to therapy initiation. In addition, males should be advised to avoid fathering a child while on azacitidine therapy and should use effective contraception during therapy. Patient Education Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?) Patient may experience nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, mouth irritation, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea, lack of appetite, dry skin, rhinitis, pharyngitis, joint pain, muscle pain, anxiety, weight loss, or abdominal pain. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of infection, signs of bleeding (vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; coughing up blood; hematuria; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a reason or that get bigger; or any severe or persistent bleeding), signs of liver problems (dark urine, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or jaundice), signs of kidney problems (urinary retention, hematuria, change in amount of urine passed, or weight gain), signs of low potassium (muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an abnormal heartbeat), signs of necrotizing fasciitis (warm skin with red or purple areas of swelling that spread quickly; ulcers, blisters, black spots on the skin; or any other skin changes), angina, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, passing out, severe headache, signs of tumor lysis syndrome (tachycardia or abnormal heartbeat; any passing out; urinary retention; muscle weakness or cramps; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or lack of appetite; or feeling sluggish), severe injection site irritation, or severe loss of strength and energy (HCAHPS). Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions. Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients. Next Interactions Print this page Add to My Med List More about azacitidine Side Effects During Pregnancy Dosage Information Drug Interactions Support Group Pricing & Coupons En Español 13 Reviews Add your own review/rating Drug class: miscellaneous antineoplastics Consumer resources Azacitidine Azacitidine Subcutaneous (Advanced Reading) Professional resources Azacitidine (AHFS Monograph) Azacitidine Injection (FDA) Other brands: Vidaza Related treatment guides Myelodysplastic Syndrome> ]} Drug Status Rx Availability Prescription only D Pregnancy Category Positive evidence of risk N/A CSA Schedule Not a controlled drug Approval History Drug history at FDA Azacitidine Rating 13 User Reviews 6.1 /10 13 User Reviews 6.1 Rate it! Manufacturers Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc. Sandoz Inc. Wockhardt USA LLC Drug Class Miscellaneous antineoplastics Related Drugs miscellaneous antineoplastics tretinoin , Revlimid , Zytiga , Accutane , isotretinoin , irinotecan Myelodysplastic Syndrome Vidaza , decitabine , Dacogen , More...} } to break down
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