ATSA Injection

ATSA Injection belongs to the group of medicines called anti-metabolites used in adults with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, and acute myeloid leukaemia. These conditions affect the bone marrow and could cause problems with normal blood cell production.

ATSA Injection contains Azacitidine, which works by preventing cancer cells from growing. It helps the bone marrow in the production of normal blood cells and kills abnormal cells in the bone marrow.

In some cases, ATSA Injection may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, weakness, headache, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.

Do not use ATSA Injection if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with ATSA Injection. This medicine is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.

ATSA Injection belongs to the group of medicines called anti-metabolites used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, and acute myeloid leukaemia. ATSA Injection contains Azacitidine, a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor which works by preventing cancer cells from growing. It incorporates into the genetic material of the cells and interferes with the production of new DNA and RNA. This helps correct problems with the maturation and growth of young blood cells in the bone marrow, which causes myelodysplastic disorders.

• Reduced blood count (red blood count, white blood count, and platelets)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Pneumonia
• Injection site reaction (redness, pain or a skin reaction)

Do not use ATSA Injection if you are allergic to any of its components, have advanced liver cancer, or are breastfeeding. Inform the doctor if you have a low number of platelets, red or white blood cells, heart condition or heart attack, lung, kidney or liver diseases. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of liver failure (jaundice, abdominal bloating, shaking, drowsiness, and easy bruising), kidney failure (back pain, increased thirst, swelling of legs and feet, reduced passing of water, dizziness, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, confusion, fatigue or restlessness), fever, pneumonia (shortness of breath or chest pain accompanied with fever), low levels of platelets (bleeding such as blood in stools due to bleeding in the stomach), or allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing, itching, or swelling of lips).

Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal supplements.

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have a liver tumour or liver/kidney problems.

• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
• Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugar.
• Get optimal sleep; rest well.
• Drink enough water and eat a balanced diet.

• Your doctor will recommend blood tests prior to treatment with ATSA Injection and at the start of each cycle to check blood cell count, liver and kidney functioning.
• Women must use reliable contraception during treatment and for six months after receiving the last dose.
• Male patients are advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for three months after stopping the treatment.
• If you are due to undergo any surgery, including dental surgery, inform the doctor/dentist that you are on treatment with ATSA Injection.

Myelodysplastic syndromes: It is a group of cancers in which the immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature or become healthy blood cells. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, feeling tired or weak, pale skin, petechiae (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding), and easy bleeding or bruising.

Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia: It is a rare type of blood cancer in which there are too many monocytes (type of white blood cells) in the blood. Symptoms of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia are tiredness, infections, bleeding or bruising easily, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, loss of appetite, sweating, skin rash, and bone and muscle pain.

Acute myeloid leukaemia: Acute myeloid leukaemia, also called acute myelogenous leukaemia or acute nonlymphocytic leukaemia, is the cancer of blood and bone marrow with excess immature white blood cells. Symptoms include fever, recurrent infections, fatigue, and easy bruising.