Decitabine

Uses

Decitabine is used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes and blood cancer.

How it Works

Decitabine works by interfering with the growth of DNA and RNA in cancer cells by substituting their building blocks. This action prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Decitabine include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), anemia (low red blood cell count), low blood platelets, diarrhea, pneumonia, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), febrile neutropenia, decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), swelling of lymph nodes, thrombocythemia, pulmonary edema, blurred vision, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity), hemorrhoids, tongue ulcers, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peripheral edema, rigors, edema (swelling), pain, catheter site pain, injection site swelling, increased bilirubin in the blood, cellulitis, fungal infections, urinary tract infections, oral fungal infections, transfusion reactions, heart murmur, increased alkaline phosphatase levels in the blood, increased aspartate aminotransferase levels, increased blood urea, increased lactate dehydrogenase levels in the blood, increased glucose levels in the blood, low albumin levels in the blood, decreased magnesium levels in the blood, decreased potassium levels in the blood, decreased sodium levels in the blood, increased potassium levels in the blood, joint pain, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), confusion, pharyngitis, hypoxia (decreased oxygen levels in the blood), cough, ecchymosis (discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath), and petechiae (red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin).

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