Azakem 100mg Injection

About

Azacitidine is an antineoplastic agent classified as a hypomethylating drug. It is primarily used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and certain types of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of DNA methyltransferase, an enzyme crucial for DNA methylation. By incorporating into DNA and RNA, azacitidine leads to hypomethylation of newly synthesized DNA, which can reactivate tumor suppressor genes and other genes involved in cell differentiation and proliferation that have been silenced by aberrant methylation. This epigenetic modification helps to restore normal cellular function and inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.

The therapeutic effect of azacitidine is dose-dependent and involves both cytotoxic and cytostatic actions. At lower doses, it primarily induces hypomethylation, while at higher doses, it can also exert direct cytotoxicity. It is administered via subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion, typically in cycles, and its efficacy is often monitored through hematological responses and improvements in quality of life parameters for patients with these challenging hematological malignancies.

Uses

• Treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) of all FAB subtypes.
• Management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients who are not candidates for intensive chemotherapy.
• Therapy for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).
• Used in certain cases of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML).

Directions For Use

This medication is administered by a healthcare professional, either subcutaneously or intravenously. The dosage and treatment schedule are determined by your doctor based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Benefits

• Improves overall survival in high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.
• Delays the progression of MDS to acute myeloid leukemia.
• Reduces the need for blood transfusions in some patients.
• Induces complete or partial remission in certain AML patients.
• Offers a viable treatment option for elderly or unfit AML patients.
• Helps restore normal gene function by reversing aberrant DNA methylation.

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Injection site reactions (redness, pain, bruising)
• Myelosuppression (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rash
• Muscle pain

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Alcohol consumption should be avoided or minimized during treatment with azacitidine due to potential for increased side effects and liver strain.
• Pregnancy - Azacitidine is contraindicated during pregnancy as it can cause fetal harm. Effective contraception must be used by both male and female patients during and after treatment.
• Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding is not recommended during azacitidine treatment due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing liver impairment. Dose adjustments may be necessary, and liver function should be monitored regularly.
• Kidney - Caution is advised in patients with renal impairment. Dose modifications may be required based on the degree of kidney dysfunction, and renal function should be monitored.
• Lung - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing lung conditions. Pulmonary adverse events, including interstitial lung disease, have been reported.

Disclaimer

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