Friday, August 21, 2020

Myelodysplastic Syndrome Guidelines

 What is myelodysplastic syndrome?

A group of disorders that causes abnormal blood cells is called myelodysplastic syndrome. Generally, the myelodysplastic syndrome occurs due to dysfunction of bone marrow that produces blood cells.

Myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms: A myelodysplastic syndrome at an early stage does not cause any sign or symptoms however visible signs appear with the advancement of the disease. These symptoms are:

  • Leukopenia 
  •         Thrombocytopenia 
  • Anemia
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Petechiae


How serious is myelodysplastic syndrome?

There are some complications in the signs and symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome. These are:

  • Reduction in the number of red blood cells can cause anemia and tiredness.
  • Due to only a few white blood cells, the chances of serious infection is very high.
  • A small cut or bruises may lead to heavy bleeding.

Some patients already suffering from myelodysplastic plastic syndrome may also develop leukemia (a cancer of blood cells).

What is the prognosis for myelodysplastic syndrome?

When people are detected myelodysplastic syndrome at an early stage, the chances of avoiding complications and symptoms is higher in comparison with patients detected at an advanced stage. 

How long can you live with myelodysplastic syndrome?

A patient suffering from myelodysplastic syndrome has been classified into five different classes based on their risk factor. These classes are:

  • Very low 
  • Low 
  • Intermediate 
  • High 
  • Very high

The average life expectancy of a patient suffering from myelodysplastic syndrome after the diagnosis is:

  • Very low: 8.8 years
  • Low: 5.3 years
  • Intermediate: 3 years
  • High: 1.6 years
  • Very high: 0.8 years

Myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosis: Some of the Diagnostic techniques used in the detection of Myelodysplastic syndrome are discussed below:

Physical examination: The doctor will look upon the symptoms and physical changes on the skin of the patient.

Blood tests: Blood tests done to determine the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This test is also performed to check the shape, size, and appearance of different blood cells.

Biopsy: A small portion of bone marrow is removed along with the liquid bone marrow to check the sample in the laboratory for any abnormalities.

Can myelodysplastic syndrome be cured?

Unfortunately, myelodysplastic syndrome can't be cured completely however treatment processes are done to minimize the side effects, symptoms, and avoid any complications.

Myelodysplastic syndrome drug treatment: Some of the major drug used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome which is used for:

Increase the number of blood cells: Drugs that work as the growth factor include darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp), epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit). 

Suppresses your immune system: There is some medication that decreases the need for red blood cell transfusion.

Mature blood cells: Some drugs help in increasing the life expectancy and decreasing the risk of acute myelogenous leukemia. These drugs include decitabine (Dacogen) and azacitidine (Vidaza).


What is azacitidine used for?

Azacitidine (Vidaza), is used for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome, for which it holds the approval by the U.S. FDA on May 19'th, 2004.

Apart from this, It is also sometimes prescribed for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, as a hypomethylating agent, and for the treatment of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia. 

How do you give Azacitidine?

Azacitidine suspension is recommended to be given subcutaneously. Each injection should be given at least 1 inch from the previous site and tender, bruised, red, or hard site should be avoided. 

How long can you take azacitidine?

You can take azacitidine dose every 28 days for a minimum of 6 cycles.The azacitidine treatment should be continued as long as the patient continues to advantage or until disease progression.

What type of drug is azacitidine?

Azacitidine specifically belongs to the class of medicines named demethylation agents. The azacitidine tablets & injection acts by helping the bone marrow in order to produce normal blood cells and by destroying the abnormal cells in the bone marrow.

What is the azacitidine injection price? 

The azacitidine injection price in india is quite reasonable. A WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler company can provide you the best azacitidine 100 mg injection price. 

Azacitidine is an effective anticancer drug, which is available in injection form. Azacitidine 100 mg injection is taken for at least 6 treatment cycles.

Is azacitidine a chemotherapy?

Azacitidine injection belongs to an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug. This injection is either used alone or in combination with other medications.

How fast does an azacitidine work?

Basically each day injection in a week followed by 3 weeks off treatment comprises one treatment cycle. Azacitidine injection work after the completion of 6 treatment cycles.

Note: To know about this product, please refer to the full prescribing information. 


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Thursday, August 6, 2020

Prostate Gland Treatment Guidelines

What is prostate gland cancer?
Uncontrollable growth of cells in the prostate gland that produces semen. Tumor in the prostate can be benign or malignant.

Prostate cancer causes: No real cause of prostate cancer has been detected however it is assumed that prostate cancer is caused due to mutation in DNA of cells that causes its abnormal division. There are some risk factors that enhance the chances of having prostate cancer. These factors are:

  • Race: Due to unknown reasons it has been seen that prostate cancer is more advanced and aggressive in Black Men as compared to other races.
  • Age: the risk of prostate cancer intensifies with age.
  • Family History: chances of cancer are high in person, in which this cancer is running in the family.
  • Obesity: men suffering from obesity of high risk of cancer.

What are the first signs of prostate problems?

Pain during urination is supposed to be the first sign of prostate cancer however it is followed by pain in ejaculation, burning sensation, and loss of bladder control.

What are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer?

 At the initial stage of cancer no such signs and symptoms appear however with the advancement of his stage some common prostate cancer symptoms of Cancer are:
  • Bone pain
  • Trouble in urination
  • Blood in semen
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Decreased force in the stream of urine
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area

List of prostate cancer treatment drug: Some of the approved drugs used in the treatment of prostate cancer as listed below:

  • Docetaxel
  • Abiraterone Acetate
  • Degarelix
  • Apalutamide
  • Darolutamide
  • Bicalutamide
  • Casodex (Bicalutamide)
  • Cabazitaxel
  • Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate)
  • Nilandron (Nilutamide)
  • Enzalutamide (xtandi 40mg)
  • Lynparza (Olaparib)
  • Erleada (Apalutamide)
  • Lupron (Leuprolide Acetate)
  • Firmagon (Degarelix)
  • Leuprolide Acetate
  • Flutamide
  • Mitoxantrone Hydrochloride
  • Goserelin Acetate
  • Lupron Depot (Leuprolide Acetate)
  • evtana (Cabazitaxel)

Prostate cancer Treatment: Some of the best treatment methods for enlarged prostate and prostate cancer are mentioned below:
  • Radiation Therapy: This therapy uses a high energy x-ray or Proton beam to directly destroy the cancerous cells.
  • Targeted therapy: This therapy uses the small instruction of cell functioning that if inhibited will block the cell growth.
  • Immunotherapy: This therapy in the hands or stand and the body's immune system so that it can fight against the cancerous cell.
  • Testosterone suppression therapy and androgen axis inhibitors: Mostly all cancerous cells require male hormone androgen for growth and multiplication if with any method this hormone is inhibited then the growth of cancerous cells will be suppressed.

What is the best treatment for enlarged prostate?

Enzamide is one of the best medications used in the treatment of enlarged prostate. It is a nonsteroidal AR inhibitor class drug used in the treatment of non-metastatic and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. It is available in capsule form of concentration 40 mg. Enzamide uses to block the male sex hormone androgen. The enzamide 40 mg capsule is stored at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).




What are the side effects of Enzamide (Enzalutamide)?

The most commonly reported side effects of enzamide include:
  • back pain
  • hot flashes
  • constipation
  • joint pain
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • high blood pressure
  • weakness or feeling more tired than usual
The enzalutamide dose may be responsible for causing fertility problems in males, which may affect the ability to father children. Discuss with your healthcare professional if you have concerns about fertility.

How does Enzalutamide work? 
It is believed that this medicine works by blocking hormone testosterone's effect on the prostate cancer cells. In absence of testosterone, the prostate cancer cells can’t grow, even if they have reached other organs of the body.

Does xtandi lower your immune system?

It is believed that the xtandi 40 mg doesn't affect your immune system as much as the chemotherapy. The drug is safer for you than the chemotherapy. You will be recommended for blood tests prior to starting treatment and during the treatment. Your doctor will check your general health and might check your levels of blood cells and other existing substances in your blood.

Does enzalutamide kill cancer cells?

As a hormone therapy xtandi used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. It is given following surgery and chemotherapy in order to help the body kill the cancer cells.

What type of drug is enzalutamide?
Enzalutamide belongs to the class of drugs called androgen receptor inhibitors. It acts by blocking the androgen effect (a male reproductive hormone) to block the growth as well as spread of cancer cells.

Is enzalutamide a chemotherapy?
The enzalutamide prostate cancer medicine specifically is a hormone therapy that blocks the testosterone from reaching prostate cancer cells. This helps in order to slow the growth of the cancer and can shrink it. 

Who should not take XTANDI? 
This medicine should be avoided for use in women. Do not consume enzalutamide capsules if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. The drug may harm your unborn baby.

In what doses form Enzalutamide comes? 
Enzalutamide mainly comes in the form of 40 mg Capsule. It is consumed orally at a dosage of 160 mg once per day (4 capsules).

What is enzalutamide cost? 
The enzalutamide price in india is reasonable. 
Any WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler company can provide you enzalutamide fda label drug at best price. 
The xtandi cost may vary from branded to non-branded (generic) drugs. 

Note: Prior to initiating any treatment, consult a physician. And, to know more about xtandi please see full prescribing information. 


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