Uses of Vidaza

This is an automatically translated article.

1. What are the uses of Vidaza?

Vidaza drug has the main ingredient Azacitidine, which destroys abnormal cells in the bone marrow through inhibiting DNA methylation. This process is necessary for the division and growth of cells, if they cannot divide and grow they will die. Vidaza is indicated in myelodysplasia, myeloid leukemia and trophoblastic leukemia (in children).

2. How to use Vidaza (Azacitidine)

Vidaza produced in the form of a solution for injection under the skin or intravenously. The dose of Vidaza drug depends on the patient's weight and can be adjusted according to the side effects that the patient experiences. The patient's frequency of Vidaza use will be determined by the treating doctor.

3. Side effects of Vidaza

Undesirable effects of Vidaza can be controlled by a number of measures. Patients should talk to their doctor about appropriate recommendations.
3.1. Vidaza causes vomiting Patients taking Vidaza who experience vomiting should contact their doctor for a prescription for appropriate controller medications. In addition, the patient can apply the following measures to limit vomiting, including:
Change in diet; Limit factors that make vomiting worse, such as avoiding overeating, avoiding fatty and spicy foods; Avoid acidic foods (such as lemons, tomatoes, oranges). 3.2. Decreased red blood cell count (anemia) Red blood cells naturally carry oxygen to tissues/organs in the body. Vidaza can lower red blood cell counts and make patients feel tired, have no energy, or have trouble breathing. If the red blood cell count is too low, an additional blood transfusion may be required.
3.3. Vidaza reduces the number of platelets Platelets are a basic component of blood clotting in the body. Patients treated with Vidaza may experience side effects of a decrease in platelet count, which increases the risk of bleeding. Therefore, patients should notify their treating physician if symptoms of bleeding appear, including unusual bruising, bleeding teeth, nosebleeds, or bloody urine. When the platelet count is too low and the patient is bleeding, the doctor will prescribe a platelet transfusion.
Some measures should be limited to reduce the risk of bleeding while taking Vidaza:
Do not use razors; Do not participate in sports or activities with strong physical contact because it may cause bleeding; Do not use Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because the risk of bleeding may be increased; Do not use dental floss or toothpicks. 3.4. Increased risk of infection White blood cells are important components that help the body fight infection-causing agents. During treatment with Vidaza, the patient's white blood cell count may decrease, increasing the risk of infection. If symptoms of infection are present, the patient should immediately contact a physician, including fever, sore throat, cold, shortness of breath, cough, painful urination or slow/non-healing sores.
Some tips to limit infectious diseases:
Wash your hands often; Avoid going to crowded places; Limit contact with people suspected of having an infectious disease (such as those with a cold, fever, cough, or living with someone who is sick); Do not handle pet waste; Keep the wound or sore clean; Bathing, personal hygiene and regular dental care; Consult your doctor before having dental procedures or getting vaccinated. 3.5. Diarrhea Vidaza medicine can cause diarrhea . The treating doctor may refer the person with this side effect to medications to control the symptoms. In addition, patients experiencing diarrhea side effects caused by Vidaza drugs can apply the following measures:
Diet should choose low-fiber foods, such as white rice, boiled or grilled chicken; Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and nuts; Increase foods with soluble fiber because they have the ability to absorb water and help reduce diarrhea; Pay attention to add enough water, do not use alcohol or caffeinated drinks to prevent dehydration. 3.6. Skin problems If Vidaza is used subcutaneously, patients may experience redness and pain at the injection site. In addition, some patients showed bruising and petechiae while taking Vidaza. If the patient has the above symptoms, notify the doctor as soon as possible.
3.7. Constipation Another side effect of Vidaza is constipation. There are a number of things you can do to prevent or treat constipation, including:
Increasing dietary fiber (from fruits and vegetables); Drink enough water; Limit alcohol; Maintain operations; Use of stool softeners to prevent constipation caused by Vidaza ; If there is no bowel movement for 2-3 days, the patient should contact the doctor for instructions on how to relieve constipation.
3.8. Fatigue Fatigue is a common symptom of cancer patients. During use and for some time after Vidaza is discontinued, patients may need to change their daily schedule to manage fatigue, with prioritizing resting and trying to conserve energy. resources for more important activities.
3.9. Muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches Your doctor may prescribe certain medications and other methods to help you relieve pain while taking Vidaza.
3.10. Rare side effects Hepatotoxicity: Vidaza can cause liver damage, especially in patients with a history of liver failure. Oncologists can monitor this unwanted effect through liver function tests. Patients should notify the doctor when there are symptoms of liver damage such as jaundice, yellow eyes, dark urine with tumor or right lower quadrant abdominal pain; Kidney toxicity: Vidaza may cause kidney problems during treatment, especially in people with a history of kidney failure. If you notice a decrease in your daily urine output, hematuria, swelling in your ankles, or a poor appetite, you should contact your doctor as this could be a sign of kidney damage; Tumor lysis syndrome: Patients with too large number of cancer cells before treatment are at risk of tumor lysis syndrome when taking Vidaza drug. This condition occurs when malignant cells die too quickly and release many toxins to the body. Patients may be prescribed medications (such as Allopurinol) and fluids to prevent this side effect. If nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or coma occur, the patient should notify the doctor immediately. It should be noted that tumor lysis syndrome can affect kidney function, requiring doctors to monitor a patient's kidney function with blood tests.

4. Vidaza's risk of affecting reproductive function

The fetus exposed to Vidaza during pregnancy can have some dangerous birth defects, so the patient should not become pregnant during treatment with this product. Patients should use safe, effective forms of birth control as essential during treatment with Vidaza, even if the chance of pregnancy is very low. In addition, sexual partners of male patients who are taking Vidaza should also not become pregnant.
Breastfeeding while taking Vidaza is not allowed, and can continue for a minimum of one week after the end of this therapy.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: oncolink.org