BD Zadine 300 mg contains Azacitidine, an antineoplastic (anticancer) agent classified as a hypomethylating agent. It is primarily used to treat certain bone marrow and blood cancers by helping restore the normal function of bone marrow cells.
This medication can be given by injection or as an oral tablet, depending on the formulation. BD Zadine 300 mg specifically refers to the oral version, which offers more convenience compared to injectable forms.

Azacitidine helps in slowing down or stopping the growth of abnormal cells and encourages the bone marrow to produce healthy blood cells again.

Mechanism of Action

Azacitidine works at the epigenetic level, specifically by inhibiting the enzyme DNA methyltransferase. This enzyme normally adds methyl groups to DNA, which can silence tumor-suppressor genes in cancer cells.

Here’s how it works:

• Azacitidine incorporates into RNA and DNA of rapidly dividing cells.

• It blocks abnormal DNA methylation, allowing suppressed tumor-suppressor genes to be reactivated.

• This helps restore normal cell function, slow down the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells, and trigger cell death in myelodysplastic or leukemic cells.

  Uses / Indications

  BD Zadine (Azacitidine) is used in adults for the treatment of:

  1. Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) – a group of bone marrow disorders where the marrow doesn’t produce enough healthy blood cells.

  2. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) – particularly in patients who are not candidates for intensive chemotherapy.

  3. Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML) – a rare leukemia involving overproduction of a specific white blood cell line.

  4. Maintenance therapy post-chemotherapy in AML to prevent relapse (as part of certain protocols).

     Adverse Effects

     Azacitidine is generally better tolerated than traditional chemotherapy, but side effects may still occur — especially early in the treatment cycle.

     Common side effects:

     • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

     • Fatigue

     • Injection site reactions (for injectable forms)

     • Decreased appetite

     • Fever or weakness