What is Decitabine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Decitabine

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

• Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. You may receive this medicine either as a 3-day or 5-day regimen.

• Oral routeYou may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Decitabine

Decitabine contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to decitabine, or if you are pregnant.

Decitabine warnings

• Injection routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Women should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 1 week after the last dose.

• Tell your doctor if have any type of infection.

• Talk with your doctor before receiving this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who receive this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

• Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Injection routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

Decitabine interactions

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

• Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.