decitabine

decitabine /de·ci·ta·bine/ (DAC) (de-si´tah-bēn″) a cytotoxic compound used as an antineoplastic in the treatment of acute leukemia.

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decitabine,

an agent that prevents DNA methylation, halting growth of rapid proliferation blasts.

indications This drug is used to treat naive and experienced myelodysplastic syndrome.

contraindications Pregnancy, lactation, severe neurotoxicity, severe blood dyscrasias, and known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibit its use. Its use is also contraindicated in children.

adverse effects Adverse effects of this drug include confusion, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, hematoma, and cellulitis. Life-threatening side effects include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia. Common side effects include headache; anxiety; dizziness; hypoesthesia; insomnia; edema; murmur; hypotension; nausea; anorexia; vomiting; diarrhea; constipation; stomatitis; alopecia; ecchymosis; erythema; pallor; petechiae; pruritus; rash; swelling of the face; urticaria; decreased potassium, sodium, magnesium, and albumin; increased or decreased glucose; myalgia; arthralgia; back pain; chest wall pain; pain in the limbs; cough; crackles; hypoxia; pharyngitis; pneumonia; and pulmonary edema.

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decitabine

Oncology An antimetabolic anticancer agent