5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Myelosuppression

Fatal and serious myelosuppression occurs in decitabine-treated patients. Myelosuppression (anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia) is the most frequent cause of decitabine dose reduction, delay, and discontinuation. Neutropenia of any grade occurred in 90% of decitabine-treated patients with grade 3 or 4 occurring in 87% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 febrile neutropenia occurred in 23% of patients. Thrombocytopenia of any grade occurred in 89% of patients with grade 3 or 4 occurring in 85% of patients. Anemia of any grade occurred in 82% of patients. Perform complete blood count with platelets at baseline, prior to each cycle, and as needed to monitor response and toxicity. Manage toxicity using dose-delay, dose-reduction, growth factors, and anti- infective therapies as needed [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] . Myelosuppression and worsening neutropenia may occur more frequently in the first or second treatment cycles and may not necessarily indicate progression of underlying MDS.

5.2 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on findings from human data, animal studies and its mechanism of action, decitabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. In preclinical studies in mice and rats, decitabine caused adverse developmental outcomes including embryo-fetal lethality and malformations. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving decitabine and for 6 months following the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving treatment with decitabine and for 3 months following the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

For Injection: 50 mg of decitabine as a sterile, white to almost white lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution.