Chemotherapy Education

Dacogen
(Decitabine)

• Given intravenously either as a 3 hour infusion every 8 hours over 3 days (inpatient hospital setting) or as an outpatient intravenously over 1 hour every day for 5 days in a row and then repeated in 4-6 weeks.
• Usually requires minimum of 4 cycles of treatment before a response is seen.
• Some of the side effects may include:

1. Myelosuppression (Bone Marrow Suppression)

• The number of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) and platelets will drop during treatment. This can make you anemic, bleed and bruise easier and prone to infections.
• You may be given prescription medications to help prevent infections.
• You may require blood transfusions frequently during treatment.
• Your blood counts will be monitored weekly during treatment

2. Nausea/Vomiting

• Usually is mild
• IV medications will be given to help prevent nausea
• You will have prescription medications to use at home if needed for nausea

3. Fevers/flu-like symptoms

• Tylenol can be used for fevers but report fever greater than 100.5 to the clinic
• Drink plenty of fluids and rest

4. Swelling of arms and legs

Front Range Cancer Specialists
"Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Compassion"

Our Chemotherapy Clinic is located:
2315 East Harmony Road
Suite 110
Fort Collins, CO 80528

Phone 970 212 7600