Decitabine is used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (a group of conditions in which the bone marrow produces blood cells that are misshapen and does not produce enough healthy blood cells). Decitabine is in a class of medications called hypomethylation agents. It works by helping the bone marrow produce normal blood cells and by killing abnormal cells in the bone marrow.
Decitabine comes as a powder to be to be added to fluid and injected slowly over 3 hours intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital outpatient clinic. It is usually injected every 8 hours for 3 days. This treatment period is called a cycle, and the cycle may be repeated every 6 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends. Decitabine should usually be given for at least four cycles but may be continued if your doctor decides that you will benefit from additional treatment.
Your doctor may also need to delay your treatment and reduce your dose if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with decitabine.
Your doctor will give you medication to prevent nausea and vomiting before you receive each dose of decitabine.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Call your doctor right away if you are unable to keep an appointment to receive a dose of decitabine.
excessive tiredness
pale skin
headache
dizziness
confusion
fast heartbeat
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
weakness
shortness of breath
nausea
constipation
diarrhea
vomiting
stomach pain
heartburn or indigestion
painful sores in mouth, or on tongue or lips
red spots on the skin
rash
change in skin color
hair loss
joint or muscle pain
chest discomfort or chest wall pain
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, lower legs, or stomach
pain, swelling, or redness at injection spot
unusual bleeding or bruising
hives
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the face
sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
extreme thirst
frequent urination
extreme hunger
weakness
blurred vision
Decitabine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
unusual bleeding or bruising
sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to decitabine.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 04/01/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.