Azacitidine

Drug Details

Azacitidine, also known as Vidaza, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat certain blood disorders, specifically myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in adults and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) in children aged one month and older. It can also be prescribed off-label for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This drug helps the bone marrow produce healthy blood cells and eliminates abnormal cells that proliferate too rapidly and function improperly. Administered by a healthcare professional as an injection either under the skin or into a vein, Azacitidine is typically given daily for one week each 28-day cycle. Common side effects may include nausea, fever, and constipation. Azacitidine works by addressing the issue where immature blood cells in MDS and JMML do not mature properly, resulting in an excess of immature cells and a deficiency of mature red and white blood cells. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider to ensure this treatment is safe and suitable for your condition.