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DiscussionHow long can we be on azacitidine (Vidaza)?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Jun 20 9:05am | Replies (13)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I have had MDS for 31/2 years. On vidaza for the same time. Leukemia cells in..."
I am on 28 cycles. My doctor also says for life.
All the best to you.
Hi @njjwjj Welcome to Connect. It’s very encouraging to hear that the Vidaza (Azacitidine) treatment you’re receiving for MDS is keeping your blood numbers in the ‘awesome’ range! For any of us with a blood cancer, those are the words we like to see! From my understanding Vidaza is a medication you’ll be on for an extended period unless it stops working for you or if there are side effects where your doctor feels another medication would be more helpful.
I did find a good article from Chemoexperts.com about Azacitidine. https://www.chemoexperts.com/azacitidine-vidaza.html
Here is an excerpt:
“Azacitidine is designed to help the bone marrow produce more healthy and normal functioning cells.
Goals of therapy:
Azacitidine is given to help increase blood cell counts, reduce the risk of infection, reduce the amount of blood transfusions needed, decrease the risk of bleeding, and to prevent MyeloDysplastic Syndrome (MDS) from transforming to acute leukemia. Azacitidine is not commonly given with the goal of cure.
Azacitidine is repeated every 28 days. This is known as one cycle. Treatment is continued until azacitidine is no longer working or it is stopped because of unacceptable side effects”
There are also several conversations in the blood cancer and disorders support group with other members who have MDS. It’s nice to meet people and chat with people who have similar health conditions. You may want to pop into this discussion:
Living with MDS:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-mds/
@momz @nbadry @rrivory @lorieafoote @ jps01 @snakebite and several other members
Other members (or have loved ones) who are also in treatment with Bidaza are @timt347 @camacho. They may be able to talk a little more with you about the duration of treatment.
Does your doctor feel your low kidney function is related to the Bidaza?