Decitabine

Generic Name: decitabine

Nucleoside Metabolic Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Decitabine

Decitabine is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor supplied as a sterile, white to off-white lyophilized powder containing 50 mg per vial with inactive ingredients including potassium phosphate and sodium hydroxide.

Overview

Decitabine is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor supplied as a sterile, white to off-white lyophilized powder containing 50 mg per vial with inactive ingredients including potassium phosphate and sodium hydroxide.

Uses

Treatment of adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) including previously treated and untreated varieties, across all French-American-British subtypes and intermediate-1, intermediate-2, and high-risk International Prognostic Scoring System groups.

Dosage

Two options available: (1) 15 mg/m2 IV infusion over 3 hours every 8 hours for 3 days, repeated every 6 weeks; or (2) 20 mg/m2 IV infusion over 1 hour daily for 5 days, repeated every 4 weeks. Minimum 4 cycles recommended.

Side Effects

Most common adverse reactions (greater than 50%): neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and pyrexia. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 87% of patients; febrile neutropenia in 23%.

Interactions

In vitro studies suggest decitabine is unlikely to inhibit or induce cytochrome P450 enzymes, and plasma protein binding is negligible, making interactions unlikely.

Warnings

Fatal myelosuppression occurs in treated patients. Complete blood counts required at baseline and prior to each cycle. Embryo-fetal toxicity: can cause fetal harm; females must use contraception for 6 months post-treatment; males for 3 months.

Pregnancy

Based on human data and animal studies, decitabine can cause fetal harm including malformations and embryo-fetal lethality at doses approximately 7% of recommended human dose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Decitabine used for?

Treatment of adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) including previously treated and untreated varieties, across all French-American-British subtypes and intermediate-1, intermediate-2, and high-risk International Prognostic Scoring System groups.

What are the side effects of Decitabine?

Most common adverse reactions (greater than 50%): neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and pyrexia. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 87% of patients; febrile neutropenia in 23%.

Can I take Decitabine during pregnancy?

Based on human data and animal studies, decitabine can cause fetal harm including malformations and embryo-fetal lethality at doses approximately 7% of recommended human dose.

What are the important warnings for Decitabine?

Fatal myelosuppression occurs in treated patients. Complete blood counts required at baseline and prior to each cycle. Embryo-fetal toxicity: can cause fetal harm; females must use contraception for 6 months post-treatment; males for 3 months.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.