Azacitidine

Azacitidine : Uses, Dosage, Side effects, Brands & Price In India (2026 Guide)

What is Azacitidine ?

Azacitidine is a prescription anti-cancer medicine used mainly to treat certain blood and bone marrow disorders, particularly Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in specific treatment settings.

It belongs to a class of medicines called hypomethylating agents/demethylation agents. Azacitidine affects DNA methylation and can help slow the growth of abnormal blood cells while supporting the production of healthier blood cells.

👉 Doctors commonly prescribe Azacitidine for:

  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), in appropriate patients
  • Certain other myeloid disorders under specialist supervision

👉Why is Azacitidine Prescribed ?

Azacitidine is commonly used for:

  • Higher-risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes
  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia in selected patients
  • Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML), as part of the MDS indication
  • Certain other blood disorders as determined by a hematologist/oncologist

The exact indication depends on the patient's diagnosis, age, overall health, and treatment plan.

👉 Azacitidine may also be used as part of combination treatment, including regimens involving Venetoclax, particularly in AML.

How Azacitidine Works

Abnormal blood and cancer cells can use changes in DNA methylation to support their growth.

Azacitidine is incorporated into DNA and RNA and interferes with DNA methyltransferase activity and normal RNA function. This can alter abnormal gene activity and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Results of Azacitidine Treatment:

  • Slows the growth of abnormal blood cells
  • Helps restore healthier blood-cell production
  • Can reduce disease progression
  • Helps improve treatment outcomes in eligible patients

How to Take Azacitidine

Azacitidine is available in different formulations.

  • Azacitidine Injection
    • Given by subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion
    • Usually administered by a doctor or healthcare professional
    • A commonly used injection schedule is once daily for 7 days, with cycles repeated approximately every 4 weeks, depending on the treatment protocol.
  • Oral Azacitidine
    • Oral azacitidine is a different formulation and has a different approved indication and dosing schedule. It should not be considered interchangeable with injectable azacitidine.

⚠️ Important Instructions:

  • Use only according to your hematologist's/oncologist's prescription.
  • Treatment cycles and dosage can vary significantly between patients.
  • Regular blood tests are required during treatment.
  • Do not change or discontinue treatment without medical advice.

Azacitidine Dosage Variants

Azacitidine is commonly available in:

  • Azacitidine 100 mg
  • Azacitidine 300 mg

The actual dose is determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition, body surface area, blood counts, kidney/liver function, and treatment protocol.

Common Side Effects of Azacitidine

Like all medicines, Azacitidine may cause side effects.

Common Side Effects:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Low platelet count
  • Anemia
  • Reduced appetite

👉 Always inform your doctor if symptoms worsen.

Precautions Before Starting Azacitidine

Inform your doctor if you have:

  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Low blood-cell counts
  • An active infection
  • Any previous allergic reaction to Azacitidine
  • Any ongoing medications or supplements

Pregnancy and fertility considerations should be discussed with your doctor before treatment.

⚠️ Azacitidine can affect blood-cell production, so regular CBC and other laboratory tests may be required during treatment.

Available Brands

Azatend O 300 Zydus Rs.8,350.00 | 596/Tab
Azashine 300  Hetero Rs.9,367.00 | 669/Tab
Azashine 100 Hetero Rs.1,400.00 Per Vial


Azacitidine Price In India -

The price of Azacitidine in India depends on:

  • Brand
  • Strength (100 mg, 300 mg, etc.)
  • Dosage form (tablet, suspension, or injection)
  • Pack size

If You Need More Information about Price You Can Buy From Our Website Supermeds or Contact Us - 84325 25386

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Azacitidine chemotherapy?

Azacitidine is an anti-cancer medicine and hypomethylating agent. It is different from traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy and is commonly classified as a demethylation/hypomethylating therapy.

2. What is Azacitidine used for?

Azacitidine is primarily used for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and certain forms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), depending on the formulation and patient's treatment situation.

3. Is Azacitidine given daily?

Injectable Azacitidine is commonly administered once daily for 7 days in a treatment cycle, but the exact schedule is determined by the treating doctor.

4. Is Azacitidine used with Venetoclax?

Yes. Azacitidine may be combined with Venetoclax in certain AML treatment regimens. The combination should only be used under specialist supervision.

5. Can I stop Azacitidine if I feel better?

No. Do not stop or change your treatment schedule without consulting your hematologist or oncologist.

Reference


    Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified hematologist, oncologist, or other healthcare professional. Azacitidine is a prescription medicine and should be used only under appropriate medical supervision.