Decitabine
Information about Decitabine
Decitabine uses
Decitabine is used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome and blood cancer.
How decitabine works
Decitabine interferes with the growth of DNA and RNA of the cancer cells by substituting their building blocks. It prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
Common side effects of decitabine
Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Fever, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Low blood platelets, Diarrhea, Pneumonia, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Febrile neutropenia, Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Swelling of lymph nodes, Thrombocythemia, Pulmonary edema, Blurred vision, Constipation, Abdominal pain, Dyspepsia, Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity), Piles, Tongue ulcer, Difficulty in swallowing, Upper abdominal pain, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, Peripheral edema, Rigors, Edema (swelling), Pain, Catheter site pain, Injection site swelling, Increased bilirubin in the blood, Cellulitis, Fungal infection, Urinary tract infection, Fungal infection of mouth, Transfusion reaction, Heart murmur, Increased alkaline phosphatase level in blood, Increased aspartate aminotransferase, Increased blood urea, Increased lactate dehydrogenase level in blood, Increased glucose level in blood, Low albumin level in blood, Decreased magnesium level in blood, Decreased potassium level in blood, Decreased sodium level in blood, Increased potassium level in blood, Joint pain, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Confusion, Pharyngitis, Hypoxia (decreased oxygen level in blood), Cough, Ecchymosis (discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath), Petechiae (red or purple spot caused by bleeding into the skin), Myelosuppression, Enlarged spleen, Cardiorespiratory arrest, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Catheter site hemorrhage, Cholecystitis, Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, Respiratory tract infection, Postoperative bleeding, Intracranial bleeding, Altered mental state, Renal failure, Hypersensitivity
Available Medicine for Decitabine
Expert advice for Decitabine
- Decitabine is used for the treatment of cancer of the blood.
- It is given via a drip into a vein (intravenously).
- Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine.
- Your doctor may get regular blood and urine tests done to monitor your blood cells, kidney and liver function during treatment with this medicine.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or severe diarrhea.
Frequently asked questions for Decitabine
Decitabine
Q. Is Decitabine a vesicant?
Decitabine is not a vesicant and is not known to cause severe local tissue damage upon extravasation (leaking of injected Decitabine into the surrounding tissues from the site of administration) when injected.
Q. How effective is Decitabine?
The effectiveness of Decitabine depends upon several factors including the patient's clinical condition, number of treatment cycles etc. and may vary depending upon the individual response.
Q. Does Decitabine cause hair loss?
Yes. Hair loss (alopecia) is among the known side effects of Decitabine.