What is Dacogen (Decitabine)?
Decitabine is a cancer medicine. It helps prevent cancer cells from spreading in the body.
Decitabine is used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (certain types of blood or bone marrow cancer).
Decitabine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Dacogen (Decitabine)?
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Decitabine could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 2 months after you stop receiving decitabine.
Decitabine is given as an injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 3 hours to complete.
Decitabine is usually given every 8 hours for 3 days, repeated every 6 weeks for at least 4 treatments.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Dacogen (Decitabine)?
Before receiving decitabine, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive decitabine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive decitabine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 2 months after you stop receiving decitabine.
It is not known whether decitabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Dacogen Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Dacogen (Decitabine)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
- white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
- swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
- tired feeling
- blurred vision
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- diarrhea, constipation
- cough, sore throat
- increased thirst or urination
- joint pain
- headache
- sleep problems (insomnia); or
- mild skin rash or redness
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Dacogen Interactions
What other drugs affect Dacogen (Decitabine)?
There may be other drugs that can affect decitabine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Dacogen (Decitabine)?
Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Dacogen Dosage
How should I take Dacogen (Decitabine)?
Decitabine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 3 hours to complete.
In most cases, a decitabine injection is given every 8 hours for 3 days. This 3-day treatment is usually repeated every 6 weeks. You will most likely receive at least 4 of these treatments.
You may be given other medications to help prevent nausea and vomiting while you are being treated with decitabine.
Decitabine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What happens if I overdose on Dacogen (Decitabine)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a decitabine overdose may include fever and chills or other flu symptoms, unusual bleeding or bruising, and any other signs of infection.
What happens if I miss a dose of Dacogen (Decitabine)?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of this medication.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com