Effects of Vidaza

[Zita Desenberg]

I don't know if I have corresponded on this marrowforums list, but I have been a member of the AA/MDS talk list for ten years.

I have had no symptoms and been on no medication or treatments. I have, however, been to many centers and specialists and have been under treatment at a local Oncologist. My Oncologist is recommending VIDAZA.
I have asked questions about VIDAZA before, but that was a year and a half ago. I would like an update from those who are taking Vidaza now.
I need info about dosages, methods of administering the drug, side effects, quality of life issues, freedom to travel. Please respond on the list or privately to my e-mail: littlebird@comcast.net

Thank- you

Zita Desenberg;

[Neil Cuadra]

Hi Zita.

I'm glad you still have no symptoms even after having MDS for years.

The Vidaza.com website run by the drug's manufacturer, Pharmion, has the basic information about Vidaza, explaining that it is an injectable form of azacitidine for treatment of MDS. You did ask a question about Vidaza once before at Marrowforums, in 2006. Since that time, a second method of administration has become available. In addition to subcutaneous injection, Vidaza can be given by IV infusion (see news report from last February).

On that website is a downloadable Prescription Information file (PDF, 112K) with dosage information, clinical trial results, and the most commonly reported side effects.

We've had a number of discussions about Vidaza in these forums since 2006, so in addition to watching for comments here and by email, you might use the search page to identify the latest threads where Vidaza was mentioned. Type "vidaza" in the Key Word(s) box.

[choijk]

Hi Zita,

My father will begin his journey with Vidaza IV starting on 03/03/08, Monday. He will be receiving 750 mg everyday from Mon - Fri for 30 minutes. He will continue this regimen (5 days a week via IV) every 1st week of the month. Our hematologist suggested that we will keep this regimen until it looses its effectiveness.

For my father, his rbc's are the only line that is affected. He currently receives 1-2 rbc's every 2 weeks. So far, he has received 36 units since 01/2007. His ferritin is around 2300. As such, he is also on Exjade 1250 mg everyday. So far, no side effects.

Dad tried Revlimid sometime in Sept 2007. He was on it for 5 days at 10 mg. He had really bad side effects and had to discontinue it.

I am hoping that we will have great results with Vidaza, like many other patients that have benefited from it. I will share my dad's experience with Vidaza once his journey begins. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via private message or e-mail at junechoi212@hotmail.com