azacitidine subcutaneous

Marketed as Vidaza, Azacitidine was approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat myelodysplastic syndrome. This drug is also sometimes used to treat acute myeloid leukemia. Bear in mind that Azacitidine is known to be excreted by the kidney, making the risk of toxic reactions to this drug greater in patients with impaired renal function. Therefore, the dose must be selected carefully, especially when it comes to treating elderly patients considering they are more likely to have decreased renal function. According to cancerresearchuk.org, Azacitidine “works by switching off a protein called DNA methyltransferase.” This process switches on genes that prevent the growth of cancer cells, thereby reducing the number of abnormal blood cells. It is worth noting that anemia, renal toxicity, Tumor Lysis Syndrome and embryo-fetal risk are some of Azacitidine’s side effects. Needless to say women must avoid pregnancy during treatment with this drug.