English Brand Name & Chinese Name
Dacogen®; 達珂凍晶注射劑
Drug Introduction
Decitabine inhibits the growth of cancer cells by affecting DNA methylation. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has approved its use for the treatment of adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
How It Is Administered
According to the recommended regimen, decitabine is given as a 1-hour intravenous infusion for 5 consecutive days. The actual administration plan should be determined by your physician.
Precautions Before and During Administration
- Before starting treatment, inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Ongoing infections that have not healed
- Decitabine may lower white blood cell counts, increasing the risk of infection. During treatment, avoid crowded places, maintain good personal hygiene, and seek medical attention promptly if you develop fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms.
- Decitabine may cause low platelet counts and anemia. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained bruising or bleeding, weight loss, or unusual fatigue.
- If you require any vaccinations during treatment, consult your doctor first.
- Avoid pregnancy or breastfeeding during treatment. If pregnancy is suspected, inform your doctor immediately.
- Decitabine may harm an unborn baby. Men should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose; women should use contraception for at least 6 months after the last dose.
- Decitabine may cause high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, inform your doctor before starting treatment and monitor your blood sugar closely during therapy.
Possible Side Effects
- Allergic reactions: If you experience itching or rash, swelling of the face or hands, swelling or tingling of the lips or throat, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or palpitations during infusion, notify healthcare personnel immediately.
- Bone marrow suppression: This includes low white blood cell counts, low platelet counts, and anemia, which may cause fatigue, reduced immunity, and increased bleeding risk. Avoid infections, check for unusual bruising or pinpoint bleeding, and report any abnormalities to your doctor.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Common side effects include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, and mouth sores.
- High blood sugar: If you experience frequent thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, sudden blurred vision, headache, or fruity-smelling breath, notify your doctor.
Dietary Considerations
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, or vitamin supplements.
- Avoid raw or undercooked food, as well as expired or spoiled food, to reduce the risk of infection due to lowered immunity during treatment.
- If you have special dietary needs or questions, you may book a nutrition consultation for personalized advice from a dietitian.
