med as needed to monitor response and toxicity, but at a minimum, prior to each dosing cycle. After administration of the recommended dosage for the first cycle, dosage for subsequent cycles should be reduced or delayed based on nadir counts and hematologic response [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
5.2 Severe Preexisting Hepatic Impairment
Because azacitidine is potentially hepatotoxic in patients with severe preexisting hepatic impairment, caution is needed in patients with liver disease. Patients with extensive tumor burden due to metastatic disease have been rarely reported to experience progressive hepatic coma and death during azacitidine treatment, especially in such patients with baseline albumin <30 g/L. Azacitidine is contraindicated in patients with advanced malignant hepatic tumors [see Contraindications (4.1)].
Safety and effectiveness of VIDAZA in patients with MDS and hepatic impairment have not been studied as these patients were excluded from the clinical trials.
5.3 Renal Abnormalities
Renal abnormalities ranging from elevated serum creatinine to renal failure and death have been reported rarely in patients treated with intravenous azacitidine in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents for nonMDS conditions. In addition, renal tubular acidosis, defined as a fall in serum bicarbonate to <20mEq/L in association with an alkaline urine and hypokalemia (serum potassium <3mEq/L) developed in 5patients with CML treated with azacitidine and etoposide. If unexplained reductions in serum bicarbonate <20 mEq/L or elevations of BUN or serum creatinine occur, the dosage should be reduced or held [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
Patients with renal impairment should be closely monitored for toxicity since azacitidine and its metabolites are primarily excreted by the kidneys [see Dosage and Administration (2.4, 2.5)].
Safety and effectiveness of VIDAZA in patients with MDS and renal impairment have not been studied as these patients were excluded from the clinical trials.
5.4 Monitoring Laboratory Tests
Complete blood counts should be performed as needed to monitor response and toxicity, but at a minimum, prior to each cycle. Liver chemistries and serum creatinine should be obtained prior to initiation of therapy.
5.5 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category D
VIDAZA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Azacitidine caused congenital malformations in animals. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid pregnancy during treatment with VIDAZA. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women using VIDAZA. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if a patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
5.6 Use in Males
Men should be advised to not father a child while receiving treatment with VIDAZA. In animal studies, pre-conception treatment of male mice and rats resulted in increased embryofetal loss in mated females [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13)].
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1 Overview
Adverse Reactions Described in Other Labeling Sections: anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated serum creatinine, renal failure, renal tubular acidosis, hypokalemia, hepatic coma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2, 5.3)].
Most Commonly Occurring Adverse Reactions (SC or IV Route): naus
