l.
Talk to your doctor if you wish to conserve your sperm before having this treatment.
Use by breast-feeding women:
It is not known if Vidaza is excreted in human milk. Therefore, do not breast-feed while you are receiving Vidaza but, if you do, you should inform your doctor immediately.
Use in other cases
If you are older than 65 years, your doctor will give you the regular blood tests described above but may also check your kidney function during your treatment with other tests.
Driving and using machines:
If you experience side effects, such as dizziness, tiredness or blurred vision, take special care when driving or operating machines.
HOW TO TAKE VIDAZA
Vidaza will be given to you as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) by a doctor or nurse. It may be given under the skin on your thigh, abdomen or upper arm.
Your doctor will choose the correct dose of Vidaza for you.
Your dose will depend on your general condition and your height and weight.
The usual dose is 75 milligrams per metre squared.
Initially, Vidaza will be given daily for 7 days. 28 days later, you will have Vidaza for another 7 days. This is called a cycle. The cycle is repeated every 28 days for a minimum of 6 cycles.
Your doctor will check your progress and may change your dose if necessary.
To stop sickness (nausea and vomiting) from happening, your doctor may give you another medicine at the start of each treatment cycle with Vidaza.
If you have any further questions on the use of Vidaza, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
WHILE YOU ARE TAKING VIDAZA
Things you must do
Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Vidaza.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you are taking Vidaza.
If you become pregnant while taking Vidaza tell your doctor immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Vidaza can have side effects, although not everybody gets them. You should tell your doctor straight away if you experience any of the following:
Constipation or diarrhoea.
Feeling sick or vomiting.
Chest pain.
Tiredness or lethargy.
A reaction where the injection was given including redness, pain or a skin reaction.
Changes to your skin at the injection site such as the formation of a hard lump, swelling, bleeding into your skin, rash, itching and changes in the skin colour.
Loss of appetite and weight loss.
Joint aches
Bruising
Pain in your stomach
Fever
Sore nose and throat
Headache, dizziness or confusion
Cold sores or bleeding gums.
Bleeding from around your back passage.
Blood in your urine.
Bleeding in your eye.
Ulcers of your mouth or tongue.
Allergic reaction.
High or low blood pressure
Being short of breath
Pain in your throat and voicebox
Indigestion
Feeling generally unwell
Muscle aches
Anxiety or having trouble sleeping
Hair loss
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any other side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
