Brand Name: Vidaza ®
Active Ingredient: Azacitidine
Strength(s): 25 mg/ml
Dosage Form(s): Injection
Company Name: Pharmion Corporation
Availability: Prescription only
Date Approved by FDA: May 19, 2004

What is Vidaza used for?     

Vidaza is used to treat patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).  Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of conditions caused by a problem in the blood-forming cells of bone marrow.

Who should not be treated with Vidaza?    

You should not be given Vidaza if you:

• are allergic to Vidaza or any of the ingredients in Vidaza including mannitol
• have advanced liver cancer tumors.

Special Warning(s) with Vidaza:     

Vidaza may cause harm to a fetus. Women should avoid becoming pregnant and should not breastfeed while receiving treatment with Vidaza.  Men should avoid fathering a child while receiving treatment with Vidaza.

General Precautions with Vidaza:

Vidaza may lead to low white blood cell count (neutropenia) and low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).Your doctor check your blood cell counts regularly to monitor your response and reactions to Vidaza.

What should I tell my health care provider?

Tell your health care provider if you:

• ·       have liver problems
• ·       have kidney problems
• ·       are pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are some possible side effects of Vidaza? (This list is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Vidaza.  Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.) 

The most common side effects with Vidaza include:

• nausea
• low red blood cell count (anemia)
• low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
• vomiting
• fever
• low white blood cell count (leukopenia)
• diarrhea
• tiredness
• redness at the injection site
• constipation
• bruising

Posted:8/12/04