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US labeling
Myelodysplastic syndromes: Treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in patients with the following French-American-British (FAB) classification subtypes: Refractory anemia or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (if accompanied by neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or requiring transfusions), refractory anemia with excess blasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.
Canadian labeling:
Acute myeloid leukemia: Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with 20% to 30% blasts and myelodysplasia-related features (previously referred to as multilineage dysplasia), according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification.
Myelodysplastic syndromes: Treatment of Intermediate-2 and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) (according to International Prognostic Scoring System) in adults who are not eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Hypersensitivity to azacitidine, mannitol, or any component of the formulation; advanced malignant hepatic tumors
Note: Azacitidine is associated with a moderate emetic potential (Basch 2011; Roila 2010); antiemetics are recommended to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS):
US labeling: IV, SubQ: Initial cycle: 75 mg/m2/day for 7 days. Subsequent cycles: 75 mg/m2/day for 7 days every 4 weeks; dose may be increased to 100 mg/m2/day if no benefit is observed after 2 cycles and no toxicity other than nausea and vomiting have occurred. Patients should be treated for a minimum of 4 to 6 cycles; treatment may be continued as long as patient continues to benefit.
Canadian labeling: SubQ: Initial cycle: 75 mg/m2/day for 7 days. Subsequent cycles: If no toxicity observed with initial treatment continue 75 mg/m2/day for 7 days every 4 weeks; dose reductions and/or therapy interruption may be required for hematologic or renal toxicity. Patients should be treated for a minimum of 6 cycles and then as long as patient continues to benefit or until disease progression.
Note: Alternate (off-label) schedules (which have produced hematologic response) have been used for convenience in community oncology centers (Lyons 2009): SubQ:
75 mg/m2/day for 5 days (Mon-Fri), 2 days rest (Sat, Sun), then 75 mg/m2/day for 2 days (Mon, Tues); repeat cycle every 28 days or
50 mg/m2/day for 5 days (Mon-Fri), 2 days rest (Sat, Sun), then 50 mg/m2/day for 5 days (Mon-Fri); repeat cycle every 28 days or
75 mg/m2/day for 5 days (Mon-Fri), repeat cycle every 28 days
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Canadian labeling (off-label use in US): SubQ: 75 mg/m2/day for 7 days every 4 weeks for at least 6 cycles; treatment may be continued as long as patient continues to benefit or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Fenaux 2010). Dose reductions and/or therapy interruption may be required for hematologic or renal toxicity.
Dosage adjustment based on serum electrolytes: If serum bicarbonate falls to <20 mEq/L (unexplained decrease): Reduce dose by 50% for next treatment course.
Refer to adult dosing. Due to the potential for decreased renal function in the elderly, select dose carefully and closely monitor renal function.
Renal impairment at baseline:
Mild to moderate impairment (CrCl ≥30 mL/minute): No dosage adjustment necessary (Douvali 2012).
Severe impairment (CrCl <30 mL/minute): No dosage adjustment necessary for cycle 1; due to renal excretion of azacitidine and metabolites, monitor closely for toxicity.
Renal toxicity during treatment:
US labeling: Unexplained increases in BUN or serum creatinine: Delay next cycle until values reach baseline or normal, then reduce dose by 50% for next treatment course.
Canadian labeling: Unexplained increases in serum creatinine or BUN ≥2 fold above baseline and above the upper limit of normal (ULN): Delay next cycle until values reach baseline or normal, then reduce dose by 50% for next treatment course.
No dosage adjustment provided in the manufacturer 's labeling (has not been studied). Use is contraindicated in patients with advanced malignant hepatic tumors.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]). If reconstituted solution comes in contact with skin, wash immediately and thoroughly with soap and water; if comes in contact with mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water.
IV: Reconstitute vial with 10 mL SWFI to form a 10 mg/mL solution; vigorously shake or roll vial until solution is dissolved and clear. Mix in 50 to 100 mL of NS or lactated Ringers injection for infusion.
SubQ: Slowly add 4 mL SWFI to each vial, resulting in a concentration of 25 mg/mL. Vigorously shake or roll vial until a suspension is formed (suspension will be cloudy). The manufacturer recommends dividing doses >4 mL equally into 2 syringes. Do not filter after reconstitution (may remove active drug). Resuspend contents of syringe by vigorously rolling between palms immediately prior to administration.
Discard unused portion (does not contain preservatives); do not save unused portions for later administration.
Azacitidine is associated with a moderate emetic potential (Basch 2011; Dupuis 2011; Roila 2010); antiemetics are recommended to prevent nausea and vomiting.
SubQ: The manufacturer recommends equally dividing volumes >4 mL into 2 syringes and injecting into 2 separate sites; however, policies for maximum SubQ administration volume may vary by institution; interpatient variations may also apply. Rotate sites for each injection (thigh, abdomen, or upper arm). Administer subsequent injections at least 1 inch from previous injection sites; do not inject into tender, bruised, red, or hard areas. Allow refrigerated suspensions to come to room temperature (up to 30 minutes) prior to administration. Resuspend by inverting the syringe 2 to 3 times and then rolling the syringe between the palms for 30 seconds.
IV: Infuse over 10 to 40 minutes; infusion must be completed within 1 hour of (vial) reconstitution.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]). If azacitidine suspension comes in contact with the skin, immediately wash with soap and water. If it comes into contact with mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water.
Prior to reconstitution, store intact vials at room temperature of 25 ‚ °C (77 ‚ °F); excursions permitted to 15 ‚ °C to 30 ‚ °C (59 ‚ °F to 86 ‚ °F).
US labeling:
IV solution: Solutions for IV administration have very limited stability and must be prepared immediately prior to each dose. Administration must be completed within 1 hour of (vial) reconstitution.
SubQ suspension: Following reconstitution, suspension may be stored at room temperature for up to 1 hour prior to immediate administration (administer within 1 hour of reconstitution). If administration is delayed, refrigerate reconstituted suspension immediately (either in vial or syringe); may be stored for up to 8 hours (if reconstituted with room temperature SWFI) or up to 22 hours (if reconstituted with refrigerated SWFI). After removal from refrigerator, may be allowed up to 30 minutes to reach room temperature prior to immediate administration.
Canadian labeling:
SubQ suspension: Following reconstitution, suspension may be stored at room temperature for up to 45 minutes prior to immediate administration; discard if not administered within 45 minutes. Alternatively, may reconstitute prior to administration and store suspension in refrigerator at 2 ‚ °C to 8 ‚ °C (36 ‚ °F to 46 ‚ °F) for up to 8 hours. After removal from refrigerator, may be allowed up to 30 minutes to reach room temperature prior to immediate administration.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Suspension Reconstituted, Injection:
Generic: 100 mg (1 ea)
Suspension Reconstituted, Injection [preservative free]:
Vidaza: 100 mg (1 ea)
Generic: 100 mg (1 ea)
Stable in LR, NS. Incompatible in D5W, hetastarch, admixtures containing sodium bicarbonate
BCG (Intravesical): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination
BCG (Intravesical): Myelosuppressive Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination
CloZAPine: Myelosuppressive Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CloZAPine. Specifically, the risk for neutropenia may be increased. Monitor therapy
Coccidioides immitis Skin Test: Immunosuppressants may diminish the diagnostic effect of Coccidioides immitis Skin Test. Monitor therapy
Deferiprone: Myelosuppressive Agents may enhance the neutropenic effect of Deferiprone. Avoid combination
Denosumab: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Specifically, the risk for serious infections may be increased. Monitor therapy
Dipyrone: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Myelosuppressive Agents. Specifically, the risk for agranulocytosis and pancytopenia may be increased Avoid combination
Echinacea: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification
Fingolimod: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Fingolimod. Management: Avoid the concomitant use of fingolimod and other immunosuppressants when possible. If combined, monitor patients closely for additive immunosuppressant effects (eg, infections). Consider therapy modification
Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Leflunomide. Specifically, the risk for hematologic toxicity such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and/or thrombocytopenia may be increased. Management: Consider not using a leflunomide loading dose in patients receiving other immunosuppressants. Patients receiving both leflunomide and another immunosuppressant should be monitored for bone marrow suppression at least monthly. Consider therapy modification
Lenograstim: Antineoplastic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lenograstim. Consider therapy modification
Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Natalizumab. Specifically, the risk of concurrent infection may be increased. Avoid combination
Nivolumab: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Nivolumab. Consider therapy modification
Pimecrolimus: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Roflumilast: May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification
Sipuleucel-T: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sipuleucel-T. Monitor therapy
Tacrolimus (Topical): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Tofacitinib: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Tofacitinib. Management: Concurrent use with antirheumatic doses of methotrexate or nonbiologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is permitted, and this warning seems particularly focused on more potent immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Trastuzumab: May enhance the neutropenic effect of Immunosuppressants. Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Inactivated): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Inactivated). Management: Vaccine efficacy may be reduced. Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to starting an immunosuppressant. If vaccinated during immunosuppressant therapy, revaccinate at least 3 months after immunosuppressant discontinuation. Consider therapy modification
Vaccines (Live): Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vaccines (Live). Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Live). Management: Avoid use of live organism vaccines with immunosuppressants; live-attenuated vaccines should not be given for at least 3 months after immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Monitor liver function tests, electrolytes CBC with differential and platelets, renal function (BUN and serum creatinine) at baseline, prior to each cycle, and more frequently if indicated. Also monitor for nausea/vomiting and for injection site reactions.
>10%:
Cardiovascular: Peripheral edema (7% to 19%), chest pain (16%)
Central nervous system: Fatigue (13% to 36%), rigors (26%), headache (22%), dizziness (19%), anxiety (5% to 13%), depression (12%), malaise (11%), pain (11%), insomnia (9% to 11%)
Dermatologic: Erythema (7% to 17%), pallor (16%), skin lesion (15%), skin rash (10% to 14%), pruritus (12%), diaphoresis (11%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Weight loss ( ≤16%), pitting edema (15%), hypokalemia (6% to 13%)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea (48% to 71%), vomiting (27% to 54%), constipation (34% to 50%), diarrhea (36%), anorexia (13% to 21%), abdominal pain (11% to 16%), abdominal tenderness (12%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Thrombocytopenia (66% to 70%; grades 3/4: 58%), anemia (51% to 70%; grades 3/4: 14%), neutropenia (32% to 66%; grades 3/4: 61%), leukopenia (18% to 48%; grades 3/4: 15%), bruise (19% to 31%), petechia (11% to 24%), febrile neutropenia (14% to 16%; grades 3/4: 13%), bone marrow depression (nadir: days 10 to 17; recovery: days 28 to 31)
Local: Injection site reactions (14% to 29%): Erythema (35% to 43%; more common with IV administration), pain (19% to 23%; more common with IV administration), bruising (5% to 14%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness (29%), arthralgia (22%), limb pain (20%), back pain (19%), myalgia (16%)
Respiratory: Cough (11% to 30%), dyspnea (5% to 29%), pharyngitis (20%), epistaxis (16%), nasopharyngitis (15%), upper respiratory infection (9% to 13%), pneumonia (11%), rales (9% to 11%)
Miscellaneous: Fever (30% to 52%)
5% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Heart murmur (10%), tachycardia (9%), hypertension ( ≤9%), hypotension (7%), syncope (6%), chest wall pain (5%)
Central nervous system: Lethargy (7% to 8%), hypoesthesia (5%), postoperative pain (5%)
Dermatologic: Night sweats (9%), cellulitis (8%), rash at injection site (6%), urticaria (6%), skin nodules (5%), xeroderma (5%)
Gastrointestinal: Gingival hemorrhage (10%), stomatitis (8%), hemorrhoids (7%), dyspepsia (6% to 7%), abdominal distention (6%), loose stools (6%), dysphagia (5%), tongue ulcer (5%)
Genitourinary: Urinary tract infection (8% to 9%), dysuria (8%), hematuria ( ≤6%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Lymphadenopathy (10%), hematoma (9%), oral mucosal petechiae (8%), postprocedural hemorrhage (6%), oral hemorrhage (5%)
Hypersensitivity: Transfusion reaction (7%)
Infection: Herpes simplex infection (9%)
Local: Itching at injection site (7%), hematoma at injection site (6%), induration at injection site (5%), injection site granuloma (5%), skin discoloration at injection site (5%), swelling at injection site (5%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Muscle cramps (6%)
Respiratory: Rhinorrhea (10%), wheezing (9%), abnormal breath sounds (8%), nasal congestion (6%), pharyngolaryngeal pain (6%), pleural effusion (6%), post nasal drip (6%), rhinitis (6%), rhonchi (6%), atelectasis (5%), sinusitis (5%)
Miscellaneous: Lymphadenopathy (10%), herpes simplex (9%), night sweats (9%), transfusion reaction (7%), mouth hemorrhage (5%)
<5% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Abscess (limb, perirectal), aggravated bone pain, agranulocytosis, anaphylactic shock, atrial fibrillation, azotemia, bacterial infection, blastomycosis, bone marrow failure, cardiac failure, catheter site hemorrhage, cellulitis, cerebral hemorrhage, cholecystectomy, cholecystitis, congestive cardiomyopathy, decreased serum bicarbonate, dehydration, diverticulitis, fibrosis (interstitial and alveolar), gastrointestinal hemorrhage, glycosuria, hemophthalmos, hemoptysis, hepatic coma, hypersensitivity reaction, hypophosphatemia, increased serum creatinine, injection site infection, interstitial pulmonary disease, intracranial hemorrhage, leukemia cutis, melena, necrotizing fasciitis, neutropenic sepsis, orthostatic hypotension, pancytopenia, pneumonitis, polyuria, pulmonary infiltrates, pyoderma gangrenosum, renal failure, renal tubular acidosis, respiratory distress, seizure, sepsis, sepsis syndrome, septic shock, splenomegaly, Sweets syndrome, tissue necrosis at injection site, toxoplasmosis, tumor lysis syndrome
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Bone marrow suppression: Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia are common; may cause therapy delays and/or dosage reductions. Monitor blood counts prior to each cycle (at a minimum), and more frequently if clinically indicated.
- Gastrointestinal toxicity: Azacitidine is associated with a moderate emetic potential (Basch 2011; Dupuis 2011; Roila 2010); antiemetics are recommended to prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Injection site reactions: Injection site reactions commonly occurred with subcutaneous administration.
Disease-related concerns:
- Hepatic impairment: May cause hepatotoxicity in patients with preexisting hepatic impairment. Progressive hepatic coma leading to death has been reported in patients with extensive tumor burden due to metastatic disease, especially those with a baseline albumin <30 g/L. Patients with hepatic impairment were excluded from clinical studies for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Use is contraindicated in patients with advanced malignant hepatic tumors.
- Renal impairment: Renal toxicities, including serum creatinine elevations, renal tubular acidosis (serum bicarbonate decrease to <20 mEq/L associated with alkaline urine and serum potassium <3 mEq/L), and renal failure (some fatal), have been reported with intravenous azacitidine when used in combination with other chemotherapy agents. Withhold or reduce the dose with unexplained decreases in serum bicarbonate <20 mEq/L or if elevations in BUN or serum creatinine occur. Patients with renal impairment may be at increased risk for renal toxicity. Severe renal impairment did not have a major effect on azacitidine exposure after multiple subcutaneous administrations and no dosage adjustment is necessary for the first cycle; however, monitor closely for toxicity (azacitidine and metabolites are excreted renally).
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special handling:
- Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
Dosage form specific issues:
- Polysorbate 80: Some dosage forms may contain polysorbate 80 (also known as Tweens). Hypersensitivity reactions, usually a delayed reaction, have been reported following exposure to pharmaceutical products containing polysorbate 80 in certain individuals (Isaksson 2002; Lucente 2000; Shelley 1995). Thrombocytopenia, ascites, pulmonary deterioration, and renal and hepatic failure have been reported in premature neonates after receiving parenteral products containing polysorbate 80 (Alade 1986; CDC 1984). See manufacturer 's labeling.
D
Adverse events were observed in animal reproduction studies. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid pregnancy during treatment. In addition, males should be advised to avoid fathering a child while on azacitidine therapy. The Canadian labeling recommends women of childbearing potential use effective contraception during and up to 3 months after therapy and males to avoid fathering a child during therapy and for 6 months after the last dose.
Antineoplastic effects may be a result of azacitidines ability to promote hypomethylation of DNA, restoring normal gene differentiation and proliferation. Azacitidine also exerts direct toxicity to abnormal hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow.
SubQ: Rapid and complete
Vd: IV: 76 ‚ ± 26 L; does not cross blood-brain barrier
Hepatic; hydrolysis to several metabolites
Urine (50% to 85%); feces (<1%)
SubQ: 30 minutes
IV, SubQ: ~4 hours
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience mouth sores, insomnia, constipation, lack of appetite, dry skin, rhinitis, pharyngitis, joint pain, muscle pain, anxiety, or abdominal pain. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of infection, signs of bleeding (vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, coughing up blood, blood in the urine, black, red, or tarry stools, bleeding from the gums, abnormal vaginal bleeding, bruises without a reason or that get bigger, or any bleeding that is very bad or that will not stop), signs of liver problems (dark urine, feeling tired, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes), signs of kidney problems (urinary retention, blood in urine, change in amount of urine passed, or weight gain), signs of low potassium (muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an abnormal heartbeat), signs of necrotizing fasciitis (warm skin with red or purple areas of swelling that spread quickly; ulcers, blisters, black spots on the skin; or any other skin changes), angina, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, passing out, severe headache, severe nausea, severe vomiting, severe diarrhea, severe injection site irritation, or severe loss of strength and energy (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.