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What is Vidaza
 Vidaza
is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Vidaza interferes
with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and
spread in the body.
Vidaza
is used in the treatment of certain cancers.
Vidaza
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Vidaza
Vidaza should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects
have been reported with the use of Vidaza including: allergic
reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased
bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue;
easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools;
fever or chills; or signs of infection); kidney failure;
severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite;
and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side
effects from treatment with Vidaza.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
Vidaza
Do not use Vidaza without first talking to your doctor
if you have
- kidney disease;
- liver disease
or tumors;
- had an allergic reaction to mannitol;
or
- poor bone marrow function.
The use of
Vidaza may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
It is not recommended for men to father
a child while receiving Vidaza. Please discuss the risks
with your doctor.
Vidaza is in the FDA pregnancy
category D. This means that Vidaza is known to be harmful
to an unborn baby. Do not use Vidaza without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming
pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of
birth control during treatment with Vidaza.
It is
not known whether Vidaza passes into breast milk. Do not
take Vidaza without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast feeding a baby.
How should you use Vidaza Vidaza should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Your doctor will
determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment
with Vidaza depending upon the type of cancer being treated
and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions
or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
Your
doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled
blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment
with Vidaza to monitor progress and side effects.
Skin accidentally exposed to Vidaza should be rinsed thoroughly
with soap and warm water.
Your healthcare provider
will store Vidaza as directed by the manufacturer. If you
are storing Vidaza at home, follow the directions provided
by your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Vidaza.
What happens if you overdose: If for any reason an overdose of Vidaza is suspected,
seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare
provider immediately.
Symptoms of an Vidaza overdose
tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication,
although often more severe.
What should you avoid while using Vidaza Vidaza can lower the activity of your immune system
making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with
people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses
and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of
a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment
with Vidaza. In addition, avoid contact with individuals
who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There
is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.
Skin accidentally exposed to Vidaza should be rinsed thoroughly
with soap and warm water.
Possible side effects of Vidaza If you experience any of the following serious side
effects from Vidaza, seek emergency medical attention or
contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction
(including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme
fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry
stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection);
-
tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration;
- blood in the urine;
- little or no urine
production;
- severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
or
- difficulty in breathing.
Other, less
serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
taking Vidaza and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- flu-like symptoms (fever, weakness, loss of appetite,
cough, chills and muscle pain);
- mouth or lip sores;
- headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, or insomnia;
- mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, constipation
or diarrhea;
- nerve problems such as burning, pricking
or tingling;
- swelling of the feet or ankles;
-
rash, itching, or hives; or
- temporary hair loss.
Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss
with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment
with Vidaza.
What other drugs will affect Vidaza Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment
with Vidaza. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous
during treatment with Vidaza.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Vidaza.
Talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional about
all other medications you are currently taking. In addition,
talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other
prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products. |
