Azacitidine
Vidaza (azacitidine) is a chemotherapy medication classified as a hypomethylating agent, used primarily to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and certain types of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It works by modifying gene expression in abnormal blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, helping to restore normal cell development and function.
Vidaza is a chemotherapy drug used to treat certain blood cancers like MDS and AML by helping restore normal blood cell production.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 545203
- Generic
- Vidaza
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Vidaza is FDA-approved for treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in all subtypes, including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and is also used for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with 20-30% blasts. It is typically prescribed when patients have symptoms, low blood counts requiring transfusions, or are at risk of progressing to AML.
As a hypomethylating agent, Vidaza inhibits DNA methyltransferase enzymes, which reduces excessive DNA methylation that contributes to abnormal gene silencing in cancer cells. This helps restore normal gene expression patterns, promoting differentiation and reducing proliferation of malignant blood cells. It also has direct cytotoxic effects on rapidly dividing cells.
Vidaza is administered by subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion, typically in 7-day cycles repeated every 4 weeks. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and injection site reactions. Patients require regular blood count monitoring and may need dose adjustments. It should not be used in patients with advanced malignant hepatic tumors. Pregnancy category D - harmful to fetus.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy