Powder for Suspension for Injection
(azacitidine 100mg)
Consumer Medicine Information
WHAT IS VIDAZA USED FOR
Vidaza contains a medicine called azacitidine which works by preventing the growth of cancer cells. Vidaza has been prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Myelodysplastic syndrome is a blood disorder in which the bone marrow is not working normally and too few blood cells are produced.
Each pack of Vidaza contains 1 vial. Each vial contains 100mg azacitidine and 100mg of mannitol. The contents of the vial are mixed with 4mL of water before it is given to you as an injection.
BEFORE YOU TAKE VIDAZA
Vidaza will only be prescribed to you by a doctor who has experience in medicines to treat cancers of the blood.
Follow all of your doctor's instructions carefully, even if they differ from the general information given in this leaflet.
Do not take Vidaza:
If you are allergic to Vidaza or any of the other ingredients of Vidaza listed at the end of this leaflet.
If you have advanced liver cancer.
If you are pregnant
If you have severe problems with your kidney function (creatinine clearance of less than 30 mLs/min)
If any of these apply to you, tell your doctor before you take Vidaza.
Your doctor will need to be aware if any of the following apply to you:
if you have a lower number of red or white blood cells than normal.
if you have a lower number of blood platelets than normal (thrombocytopenia).
if you have liver problems.
You will have blood tests before you begin treatment with Vidaza and at the start of each period of treatment (called a 'cycle'). This is to check that you have enough blood cells and that your liver and kidneys are working properly.
Before receiving Vidaza tell your doctor if you have had any heart problems or lung disease.
Taking other medicines:
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines or have recently taken any other medicines, including any medicines that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Children:
Vidaza is not to be taken by children (under 18 years).
Use by pregnant women:
Do not take Vidaza if you are pregnant. In addition, you should not become pregnant while taking Vidaza but, if you do, you should inform your doctor immediately.
Use an effective method of contraception during treatment with Vidaza.
Use by men:
Do not father a child while receiving treatment with Vidaza. You should use barrier methods of contraception (e.g. condoms) if your partner is of child-bearing potentia
