Azacitidine (Azacitidine)
Overview of Azacitidine
Azacitidine is a cytadine analogue that can be incorporated into RNA and DNA. Azacitidine is investigational antineoplastic drug. Azacitidine is antineoplastic agent. It belongs to antimetabolites. Antimetabolites are the compounds that bear a structural similarity to a naturally occuring substance, such as vitamin, nucleoside or amino acid. Azacitidine is effective in the treatment of different cancers to slow or stop the growth of abnormal cells. Azacitidine is used in combination with different anticancerous drugs to obtain most excellent therapeutic effects and minimize unwanted effects or toxicities. it has been used mainly in the treatment of acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia.
Indication of Azacitidine
Azacitidine is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute myeloid leukemia, Beta thalassaemia, Sickle cell anaemia.
Contraindication of Azacitidine
Azacitidine is contraindicated in conditions like Non malignant conditions.
Side Effects of Azacitidine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Azacitidine, which give rise to further complications include Myeloid leukemia, Carcinogenic risk.,Azacitidine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Severe Hypotension. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Azacitidine therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Azacitidine include Hypotension, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Myelosuppression.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Azacitidine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea.
Precautions of Azacitidine
Azacitidine is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation. Immunosuppressant drug should not be given, where possible, to patients with acute infection, dosage reduction or withdrawal should be considered if infection develops, until the infection has been controlled. Blood counts and measurment of haemoglobin concentration should be carried out routinely, it help to predict the onset of bone marrow depression. It must be handled with great care and avoid contact with skin and eyes and should not be inhaled.