PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL. Principal Display Panel NDC 0781-3296-80 Decitabine for Injection 50 mg per vial Rx Only For INTRAVENOUS INFUSION ONLY WARNING: Cytotoxic Agent Single-Dose Sterile Vial Discard Unused Portion SANDOZ. decitabine-carton-label.

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.

8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of decitabine in pediatric patients have not been established.

PHARMACODYNAMICS SECTION.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics. Decitabine has been shown to induce hypomethylation both in vitro and in vivo. However, there have been no studies of decitabine-induced hypomethylation and pharmacokinetic parameters.

LABOR & DELIVERY SECTION.

8.2 Lactation. Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of decitabine or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from decitabine in breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed while receiving decitabine and for at least weeks after the last dose.

MECHANISM OF ACTION SECTION.

12.1 Mechanism of Action. Decitabine is believed to exert its antineoplastic effects after phosphorylation and direct incorporation into DNA and inhibition of DNA methyltransferase, causing hypomethylation of DNA and cellular differentiation or apoptosis. Decitabine inhibits DNA methylation in vitro, which is achieved at concentrations that do not cause major suppression of DNA synthesis. Decitabine-induced hypomethylation in neoplastic cells may restore normal function to genes that are critical for the control of cellular differentiation and proliferation. In rapidly dividing cells, the cytotoxicity of decitabine may also be attributed to the formation of covalent adducts between DNA methyltransferase and decitabine incorporated into DNA. Non-proliferating cells are relatively insensitive to decitabine.

NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY. 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Impairment of Fertility. Carcinogenicity studies with decitabine have not been conducted. The mutagenic potential of decitabine was tested in several in vitro and in vivo systems. Decitabine increased mutation frequency in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells, and mutations were produced in an Escherichia coli lac-I transgene in colonic DNA of decitabine-treated mice. Decitabine caused chromosomal rearrangements in larvae of fruit flies. In male mice given IP injections of 0.15, 0.3 or 0.45 mg/m2 decitabine (approximately 0.3% to 1% the recommended clinical dose) times week for weeks, decitabine did not affect survival, body weight gain or hematological measures (hemoglobin and white blood cell counts). Testes weights were reduced, abnormal histology was observed and significant decreases in sperm number were found at doses >= 0.3 mg/m2. In females mated to males dosed with >= 0.3 mg/m2 decitabine, pregnancy rate was reduced and preimplantation loss was significantly increased.

ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS. The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Myelosuppression see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Myelosuppression see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Most common adverse reactions (>50%) are neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and pyrexia. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trails Experience. Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of decitabine was studied in single-arm studies (N 66, = 98, = 99) and controlled supportive care study (N 83 decitabine, = 81 supportive care). The data described below reflect exposure to decitabine in 83 patients in the MDS trial. In the trial, patients received 15 mg/m2 intravenously every hours for days every weeks. The median number of decitabine cycles was (range to 9). Most Common Adverse Reactions: neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, fatigue, pyrexia, nausea, cough, petechiae, constipation, diarrhea, and hyperglycemia. Adverse Reactions Most Frequently (>=1%) Resulting in Clinical Intervention and or Dose Modification in the Controlled Supportive Care Study in the Decitabine Arm Discontinuation: thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, pneumonia, Mycobacterium avium complex infection, cardio-respiratory arrest, increased blood bilirubin, intracranial hemorrhage, abnormal liver function tests.Dose Delayed: neutropenia, pulmonary edema, atrial fibrillation, central line infection, febrile neutropenia.Dose Reduced: neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, lethargy, edema, tachycardia, depression, pharyngitis. Table presents all adverse reactions occurring in at least 5% of patients in the decitabine group and at rate greater than supportive care.. Discontinuation: thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, pneumonia, Mycobacterium avium complex infection, cardio-respiratory arrest, increased blood bilirubin, intracranial hemorrhage, abnormal liver function tests.. Dose Delayed: neutropenia, pulmonary edema, atrial fibrillation, central line infection, febrile neutropenia.. Dose Reduced: neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, lethargy, edema, tachycardia, depression, pharyngitis.. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in >= 5% of Patients in the Decitabine Group and at Rate Greater than Supportive Care in the Controlled Trial in MDS DecitabineN 83 (%)Supportive CareN 81 (%)Blood and lymphatic system disordersNeutropenia 75 (90) 58 (72) Thrombocytopenia 74 (89) 64 (79) Anemia NOS 68 (82) 60 (74) Febrile neutropenia 24 (29) (6) Leukopenia NOS 23 (28) 11 (14) Lymphadenopathy 10 (12) (7) Thrombocythemia (5) (1) Cardiac disordersPulmonary edema NOS (6) (0) Eye disordersVision blurred (6) (0) Gastrointestinal disordersNausea 35 (42) 13 (16) Constipation 29 (35) 11 (14) Diarrhea NOS 28 (34) 13 (16) Vomiting NOS 21 (25) (9) Abdominal pain NOS 12 (14) (6) Oral mucosal petechiae 11 (13) (5) Stomatitis 10 (12) (6) Dyspepsia 10 (12) (1) Ascites (10) (2) Gingival bleeding (8) (6) Hemorrhoids (8) (4) Loose stools (7) (4) Tongue ulceration (7) (2) Dysphagia (6) (2) Oral soft tissue disorder NOS (6) (1) Lip ulceration (5) (4) Abdominal distension (5) (1) Abdominal pain upper (5) (1) Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (5) (0) Glossodynia (5) (0) General disorders and administrative site disordersPyrexia 44 (53) 23 (28) Edema peripheral 21 (25) 13 (16) Rigors 18 (22) 14 (17) Edema NOS 15 (18) (6) Pain NOS 11 (13) (6) Lethargy 10 (12) (4) Tenderness NOS (11) (0) Fall (8) (4) Chest discomfort (7) (4) Intermittent pyrexia (6) (4) Malaise (5) (1) Crepitations NOS (5) (1) Catheter site erythema (5) (1) Catheter site pain (5) (0) Injection site swelling (5) (0) Hepatobiliary disordersHyperbilirubinemia 12 (14) (5) Infections and infestationsPneumonia NOS 18 (22) 11 (14) Cellulitis 10 (12) (7) Candidal infection NOS (10) (1) Catheter related infection (8) (0) Urinary tract infection NOS (7) (1) Staphylococcal infection (7) (0) Oral candidiasis (6) (2) Sinusitis NOS (5) (2) Bacteremia (5) (0) Injury, poisoning and procedural complicationsTransfusion reaction (7) (4) Abrasion NOS (5) (1) InvestigationsCardiac murmur NOS 13 (16) (11) Blood alkaline phosphatase NOS increased (11) (9) Aspartate aminotransferase increased (10) (9) Blood urea increased (10) (1) Blood lactate dehydrogenase increased (8) (6) Blood albumin decreased (7) (0) Blood bicarbonate increased (6) (1) Blood chloride decreased (6) (1) Protein total decreased (5) (4) Blood bicarbonate decreased (5) (1) Blood bilirubin decreased (5) (1) Metabolism and nutrition disordersHyperglycemia NOS 27 (33) 16 (20) Hypoalbuminemia 20 (24) 14 (17) Hypomagnesemia 20 (24) (7) Hypokalemia 18 (22) 10 (12) Hyponatremia 16 (19) 13 (16) Appetite decreased NOS 13 (16) 12 (15) Anorexia 13 (16) (10) Hyperkalemia 11 (13) (4) Dehydration (6) (5) Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disordersArthralgia 17 (20) (10) Pain in limb 16 (19) (10) Back pain 14 (17) (6) Chest wall pain (7) (1) Musculoskeletal discomfort (6) (0) Myalgia (5) (1) Nervous system disordersHeadache 23 (28) 11 (14) Dizziness 15 (18) 10 (12) Hypoesthesia (11) (1) Psychiatric disordersInsomnia 23 (28) 11 (14) Confusional state 10 (12) (4) Anxiety (11) (10) Renal and urinary disordersDysuria (6) (4) Urinary frequency (5) (1) Respiratory, thoracic and Mediastinal disordersCough 33 (40) 25 (31) Pharyngitis 13 (16) (7) Crackles lung 12 (14) (1) Breath sounds decreased (10) (9) Hypoxia (10) (5) Rales (8) (2) Postnasal drip (5) (2) Skin and subcutaneous tissue disordersEcchymosis 18 (22) 12 (15) Rash NOS 16 (19) (9) Erythema 12 (14) (6) Skin lesion NOS (11) (4) Pruritis (11) (2) Alopecia (8) (1) Urticaria NOS (6) (1) Swelling face (6) (0) Vascular disordersPetechiae 32 (39) 13 (16) Pallor 19 (23) 10 (12) Hypotension NOS (6) (5) Hematoma NOS (5) (4) In single-arm MDS study (N=99), decitabine was dosed at 20 mg/m2 intravenously, infused over one hour daily, for consecutive days of 4-week cycle. Table presents all adverse reactions occurring in at least 5% of patients.. Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported in >= 5% of Patients in Single-arm Study DecitabineN 99 (%)Blood and lymphatic system disordersAnemia 31 (31) Febrile neutropenia 20 (20) Leukopenia (6) Neutropenia 38 (38) Pancytopenia (5) Thrombocythemia (5) Thrombocytopenia 27 (27) Cardiac disordersCardiac failure congestive (5) Tachycardia (8) Ear and labyrinth disordersEar pain (6) Gastrointestinal disordersAbdominal pain 14 (14) Abdominal pain upper (6) Constipation 30 (30) Diarrhea 28 (28) Dyspepsia 10 (10) Dysphagia (5) Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (5) Nausea 40 (40) Oral pain (5) Stomatitis 11 (11) Toothache (6) Vomiting 16 (16) General disorders and administration site conditionsAsthenia 15 (15) Chest pain (6) Chills 16 (16) Fatigue 46 (46) Mucosal inflammation (9) Edema (5) Edema peripheral 27 (27) Pain (5) Pyrexia 36 (36) Infections and infestationsCellulitis (9 Oral candidiasis (6) Pneumonia 20 (20) Sinusitis (6) Staphylococcal bacteremia (8) Tooth abscess (5) Upper respiratory tract infection 10 (10) Urinary tract infection (7) Injury, poisoning and procedural complicationsContusion (9) InvestigationsBlood bilirubin increased (6) Breath sounds abnormal (5) Weight decreased (9) Metabolism and nutrition disordersAnorexia 23 (23) Decreased appetite (8) Dehydration (8) Hyperglycemia (6) Hypokalemia 12 (12) Hypomagnesemia (5) Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disordersArthralgia 17 (17) Back pain 18 (18) Bone pain (6) Muscle spasms (7) Muscular weakness (5) Musculoskeletal pain (5) Myalgia (9) Pain in extremity 18 (18) Nervous system disordersDizziness 21 (21) Headache 23 (23) Psychiatric disordersAnxiety (9) Confusional state (8) Depression (9 Insomnia 14 (14) Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disordersCough 27 (27) Dyspnea 29 (29) Epistaxis 13 (13) Pharyngolaryngeal pain (8 Pleural effusion (5 Sinus congestion (5) Skin and subcutaneous tissue disordersDry skin (8) Ecchymosis (9) Erythema (5) Night sweats (5) Petechiae 12 (12) Pruritus (9) Rash 11 (11) Skin lesion (5) Vascular disordersHypertension (6) Hypotension 11 (11) In this single arm study, investigators reported adverse events based on clinical signs and symptoms rather than predefined laboratory abnormalities. Thus, not all laboratory abnormalities were recorded as adverse events.. No overall difference in safety was detected between patients 65 years of age and younger patients in these MDS trials. No significant differences in safety were detected between males and females. Patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction were not studied. Insufficient numbers of non-White patients were available to draw conclusions in these clinical trials. Serious adverse reactions that occurred in patients receiving decitabine not previously reported in Tables and include: Allergic Reaction: hypersensitivity (anaphylactic reaction)Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: myelosuppression, splenomegalyCardiac Disorders: myocardial infarction, cardio-respiratory arrest, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardiaGastrointestinal Disorders: gingival pain, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhageGeneral Disorders and Administrative Site Conditions: chest pain, catheter site hemorrhageHepatobiliary Disorders: cholecystitisInfections and Infestations: fungal infection, sepsis, bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, peridiverticular abscess, respiratory tract infection, pseudomonal lung infection, Mycobacterium avium complex infection Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications: post procedural pain, post procedural hemorrhage Nervous System Disorders: intracranial hemorrhage Psychiatric Disorders: mental status changes Renal and Urinary Disorders: renal failure, urethral hemorrhage Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: hemoptysis, lung infiltration, pulmonary embolism, respiratory arrest, pulmonary mass. Allergic Reaction: hypersensitivity (anaphylactic reaction). Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: myelosuppression, splenomegaly. Cardiac Disorders: myocardial infarction, cardio-respiratory arrest, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia. Gastrointestinal Disorders: gingival pain, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. General Disorders and Administrative Site Conditions: chest pain, catheter site hemorrhage. Hepatobiliary Disorders: cholecystitis. Infections and Infestations: fungal infection, sepsis, bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, peridiverticular abscess, respiratory tract infection, pseudomonal lung infection, Mycobacterium avium complex infection. Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications: post procedural pain, post procedural hemorrhage. Nervous System Disorders: intracranial hemorrhage. Psychiatric Disorders: mental status changes. Renal and Urinary Disorders: renal failure, urethral hemorrhage. Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: hemoptysis, lung infiltration, pulmonary embolism, respiratory arrest, pulmonary mass. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience. The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of decitabine. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish causal relationship to drug exposure.Sweets syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) Differentiation syndromeInterstitial lung disease Sweets syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) Differentiation syndrome. Interstitial lung disease.

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Impairment of Fertility. Carcinogenicity studies with decitabine have not been conducted. The mutagenic potential of decitabine was tested in several in vitro and in vivo systems. Decitabine increased mutation frequency in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells, and mutations were produced in an Escherichia coli lac-I transgene in colonic DNA of decitabine-treated mice. Decitabine caused chromosomal rearrangements in larvae of fruit flies. In male mice given IP injections of 0.15, 0.3 or 0.45 mg/m2 decitabine (approximately 0.3% to 1% the recommended clinical dose) times week for weeks, decitabine did not affect survival, body weight gain or hematological measures (hemoglobin and white blood cell counts). Testes weights were reduced, abnormal histology was observed and significant decreases in sperm number were found at doses >= 0.3 mg/m2. In females mated to males dosed with >= 0.3 mg/m2 decitabine, pregnancy rate was reduced and preimplantation loss was significantly increased.

NURSING MOTHERS SECTION.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential. Pregnancy Testing Conduct pregnancy testing of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating decitabine. Contraception Females Decitabine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving decitabine and for months following the last dose. MalesAdvise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving treatment with decitabine and for months following the last dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Infertility Based on findings of decitabine in animals, male fertility may be compromised by treatment with decitabine. The reversibility of the effect on fertility is unknown [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. Decitabine is believed to exert its antineoplastic effects after phosphorylation and direct incorporation into DNA and inhibition of DNA methyltransferase, causing hypomethylation of DNA and cellular differentiation or apoptosis. Decitabine inhibits DNA methylation in vitro, which is achieved at concentrations that do not cause major suppression of DNA synthesis. Decitabine-induced hypomethylation in neoplastic cells may restore normal function to genes that are critical for the control of cellular differentiation and proliferation. In rapidly dividing cells, the cytotoxicity of decitabine may also be attributed to the formation of covalent adducts between DNA methyltransferase and decitabine incorporated into DNA. Non-proliferating cells are relatively insensitive to decitabine. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics. Decitabine has been shown to induce hypomethylation both in vitro and in vivo. However, there have been no studies of decitabine-induced hypomethylation and pharmacokinetic parameters.. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were evaluated in patients. Eleven patients received 20 mg/m2 infused over hour intravenously (treatment Option 2). Fourteen patients received 15 mg/m2 infused over hours intravenously (treatment Option 1). PK parameters are shown in Table 3. Plasma concentration-time profiles after discontinuation of infusion showed biexponential decline. The clearance (CL) of decitabine was higher following treatment Option 2. Upon repeat doses, there was no systemic accumulation of decitabine or any changes in PK parameters. Population PK analysis (N=35) showed that the cumulative AUC per cycle for treatment Option was 2.3-fold lower than the cumulative AUC per cycle following treatment Option 1. Table 3: Mean (CV% or 95% CI) Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Decitabine DoseCmax (ng/mL)AUC0-INF (ng.h/mL)T1/2 (h)CL(L/h/m2)AUCCumulative (ng.h/mL)15 mg/m2 3-hr infusion every hours for days (Option 1) 73.8(66) 163(62) 0.62(49) 125(53) 1332(1010-1730) 20 mg/m2 1-hr infusion daily for days (Option 2)+ 147(49) 115(43) 0.54(43)210(47) 570(470-700) N=14, +N=11, N=35 Cumulative AUC per cycle The exact route of elimination and metabolic fate of decitabine is not known in humans. One of the pathways of elimination of decitabine appears to be deamination by cytidine deaminase found principally in the liver but also in granulocytes, intestinal epithelium and whole blood. Specific Populations Patients with Renal Impairment There are no data on the use of decitabine in patients with renal impairment. Patients with Hepatic Impairment There are no data on the use of decitabine in patients with hepatic impairment.

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES. 14.1 Controlled Trial in Myelodysplastic Syndrome. randomized open-label, multicenter, controlled trial evaluated 170 adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) meeting French-American-British (FAB) classification criteria and International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) High-Risk, Intermediate-2 and Intermediate-1 prognostic scores. Eighty-nine patients were randomized to decitabine therapy plus supportive care (only 83 received decitabine), and 81 to Supportive Care (SC) alone. Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) were not intended to be included. Of the 170 patients included in the study, independent review (adjudicated diagnosis) found that 12 patients (9 in the decitabine arm and in the SC arm) had the diagnosis of AML at baseline. Baseline demographics and other patient characteristics in the Intent-to-Treat (ITT) population were similar between the groups, as shown in Table 4. Table 4: Baseline Demographics and Other Patient Characteristics (ITT) Demographics or Other Patient CharacteristicDecitabineN 89Supportive CareN 81Age (years) Mean (+-SD) 69+-10 67+-10 Median (IQR) 70 (65-76) 70 (62-74) (Range: min-max) (31-85) (30-82) Sex (%) Male 59 (66) 57 (70) Female 30 (34) 24 (30) Race (%) White 83 (93) 76 (94) Black (4) (2) Other (2) (4) Weeks Since MDS Diagnosis Mean (+-SD) 86+-131 77+-119 Median (IQR) 29 (10-87) 35 (7-98) (Range: min-max) (2-667) (2-865) Previous MDS Therapy (%) Yes 27 (30) 19 (23) No 62 (70) 62 (77) RBC Transfusion Status (%) Independent 23 (26) 27 (33) Dependent 66 (74) 54 (67) Platelet Transfusion Status (%) Independent 69 (78) 62 (77) Dependent 20 (22) 19 (23) IPSS Classification (%) Intermediate-1 28 (31) 24 (30) Intermediate-2 38 (43) 36 (44) High Risk 23 (26) 21 (26) FAB Classification (%) RA 12 (13) 12 (15) RARS (8) (5) RAEB 47 (53) 43 (53) RAEB-t 17 (19) 14 (17) CMML (7) (10) Patients randomized to the decitabine arm received decitabine intravenously infused at dose of 15 mg/m2 over 3-hour period, every hours, for consecutive days. This cycle was repeated every weeks, depending on the patients clinical response and toxicity. Supportive care consisted of blood and blood product transfusions, prophylactic antibiotics, and hematopoietic growth factors. The study endpoints were overall response rate (complete response partial response) and time to AML or death. Responses were classified using the MDS International Working Group (IWG) criteria; patients were required to be RBC and platelet transfusion independent during the time of response. Response criteria are given in Table 5.. Table 5: Response Criteria for the Controlled Trial in MDS Complete Response (CR)>= weeksBone MarrowOn repeat aspirates:<5% myeloblastsNo dysplastic changesPeripheral BloodIn all samples during response:Hgb >11 g/dL (no transfusions or erythropoietinANC >=1500/uL (no growth factor)Platelets >=100,000/uL (no thrombopoietic agent)No blasts and no dysplasiaPartial Response (PR)>= weeksBone MarrowOn repeat aspirates:>= 50% decrease in blasts over pretreatment values ORImprovement to less advanced MDS FAB classificationPeripheral BloodSame as for CR Cheson BD, Bennett JM, et al. Report of an International Working Group to Standardize Response Criteria for MDS. Blood. 2000; 96:3671-3674. The overall response rate (CR+PR) in the ITT population was 17% in decitabine-treated patients and 0% in the SC group (p<0.001) (see Table 6). The overall response rate was 21% (12/56) in decitabine-treated patients considered evaluable for response (i.e., those patients with pathologically confirmed MDS at baseline who received at least cycles of treatment). The median duration of response (range) for patients who responded to decitabine was 288 days (116-388) and median time to response (range) was 93 days (55-272). All but one of the decitabine-treated patients who responded did so by the fourth cycle. Benefit was seen in an additional 13% of decitabine-treated patients who had hematologic improvement, defined as response less than PR lasting at least weeks, compared to 7% of SC patients. Decitabine treatment did not significantly delay the median time to AML or death versus supportive care. Table 6: Analysis of Response (ITT) Parameter Decitabine N=89Supportive Care N=81Overall Response Rate (CR+PR)+ 15 (17%)0 (0%)Complete Response (CR) (9%) (0%) Partial Response (PR) (8%) (0%) Duration of Response Median time to (CR+PR) response Days (range) 93 (55-272) NA Median Duration of (CR+PR) response Days (range) 288 (116-388) NA p-value <0.001 from two-sided Fishers Exact Test comparing Decitabine vs. Supportive Care.+In the statistical analysis plan, p-value of <= 0.024 was required to achieve statistical significance.All patients with CR or PR were RBC and platelet transfusion independent in the absence of growth factors. Responses occurred in patients with an adjudicated baseline diagnosis of AML.. <5% myeloblasts. No dysplastic changes. Hgb >11 g/dL (no transfusions or erythropoietin. ANC >=1500/uL (no growth factor). Platelets >=100,000/uL (no thrombopoietic agent). No blasts and no dysplasia. >= 50% decrease in blasts over pretreatment values OR. Improvement to less advanced MDS FAB classification. 14.2 Single-arm Studies in Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Three open-label, single-arm, multicenter studies were conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of decitabine in MDS patients with any of the FAB subtypes. In one study conducted in North America, 99 patients with IPSS Intermediate-1, Intermediate-2, or high-risk prognostic scores received decitabine 20 mg/m2 as an intravenous infusion over 1-hour daily, on days 1-5 of week 1, every weeks (1 cycle). The results were consistent with the results of the controlled trial and are summarized in Table 8. Table 7: Baseline Demographics and Other Patient Characteristics (ITT) Demographic or Other Patient CharacteristicDecitabine = 99Age (years) Mean (+-SD) 71+-9 Median (Range: min-max) 72 (34-87) Sex (%) Male 71 (72) Female 28 (28) Race (%) White 86 (87) Black (6) Asian (4) Other (3) Days From MDS Diagnosis to First Dose Mean (+-SD) 444+-626 Median (Range: min-max) 154 (7-3079) Previous MDS Therapy (%) Yes 27 (27) No 72 (73) RBC Transfusion Status (%) Independent 33 (33) Dependent 66 (67) Platelet Transfusion Status (%) Independent 84 (85) Dependent 15 (15) IPSS Classification (%) Low Risk (1) Intermediate-1 52 (53) Intermediate-2 23 (23) High Risk 23 (23) FAB Classification (%) RA 20 (20) RARS 17 (17) RAEB 45 (45) RAEB-t (6) CMML 11 (11) Table 8: Analysis of Response (ITT) ParameterDecitabine N=99Overall Response Rate (CR+PR) Complete Response (CR) Partial Response (PR)16 (16%)15 (15%)1 (1%)Duration of ResponseMedian time to (CR+PR) response Days (range)Median Duration of (CR+PR) response Days (range)162 (50-267)443 (72-722+) Cheson BD, Bennett JM, et al. Report of an International Working Group to Standardize Response Criteria for MDS. Blood. 2000; 96:3671-3674. indicates censored observation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS. None.. None.

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

11 DESCRIPTION. Decitabine is nucleoside metabolic inhibitor. Decitabine is fine, white to almost white powder with the molecular formula of C8H12N4O4 and molecular weight of 228.21. Its chemical name is 4-amino-1-(2-deoxy--D-erythro--pentofuranosyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-one and it has the following structural formula:. Decitabine is soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide; sparingly soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol and water (50:50), in methanol and water (50:50), and in methanol. Decitabine for injection, for intravenous use, is sterile, white to almost white lyophilized cake or powder supplied in clear colorless glass single-dose vial. Each 20 mL vial contains 50 mg decitabine, 68 mg monobasic potassium phosphate (potassium dihydrogen phosphate) and 11.6 mg sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is used for pH adjustment.. structure.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Three Day Regimen: Administer decitabine for injection at dose of 15 mg/m2 by continuous intravenous infusion over hours repeated every hours for days. Repeat cycle every weeks. (2.1)Five Day Regimen: Administer decitabine for injection at dose of 20 mg/m2 by continuous intravenous infusion over hour repeated daily for days. Repeat cycle every weeks. (2.1). Three Day Regimen: Administer decitabine for injection at dose of 15 mg/m2 by continuous intravenous infusion over hours repeated every hours for days. Repeat cycle every weeks. (2.1). Five Day Regimen: Administer decitabine for injection at dose of 20 mg/m2 by continuous intravenous infusion over hour repeated daily for days. Repeat cycle every weeks. (2.1). 2.1 Recommended Dosage. Pre-Medications and Baseline Testing Consider pre-medicating for nausea with antiemetics. Conduct baseline laboratory testing: complete blood count (CBC) with platelets, serum hepatic panel, and serum creatinine. Decitabine for Injection Regimen Options Three Day Regimen Administer decitabine for injection at dose of 15 mg/m2 by continuous intravenous infusion over hours repeated every hours for days. Repeat cycles every weeks upon hematologic recovery (ANC at least 1,000/uL and platelets at least 50,000/uL) for minimum of cycles. A complete or partial response may take longer than cycles. Delay and reduce dose for hematologic toxicity see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Five Day Regimen Administer decitabine for injection at dose of 20 mg/m2 by continuous intravenous infusion over hour daily for days. Delay and reduce dose for hematologic toxicity see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Repeat cycles every weeks upon hematologic recovery (ANC at least 1,000/uL and platelets at least 50,000/uL) for minimum of cycles. complete or partial response may take longer than cycles. Patients with Renal or Severe Hepatic Impairment Treatment with decitabine for injection has not been studied in patients with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment. For patients with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment, consider the potential risks and benefits before initiating treatment with decitabine for injection.. 2.2 Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions. Hematologic Toxicity If hematologic recovery from previous decitabine for injection treatment cycle requires more than weeks, delay the next cycle of decitabine for injection therapy and reduce decitabine for injection dose temporarily by following this algorithm: Recovery requiring more than 6, but less than weeks: delay decitabine for injection dosing for up to weeks and reduce the dose temporarily to 11 mg/m2 every hours (33 mg/m2/day, 99 mg/m2/cycle) upon restarting therapy. Recovery requiring more than 8, but less than 10 weeks: Perform bone marrow aspirate to assess for disease progression. In the absence of progression, delay decitabine for injection dosing for up to more weeks and reduce the dose to 11 mg/m2 every hours (33 mg/m2/day, 99 mg/m2/cycle) upon restarting therapy, then maintain or increase dose in subsequent cycles as clinically indicated. Non-Hematologic Toxicity Delay subsequent decitabine for injection treatment for any the following nonhematologic toxicities and do not restart until toxicities resolve: Serum creatinine greater than or equal to mg/dL Alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin greater than or equal to times upper limit of normal (ULN) Active or uncontrolled infection. 2.3 Preparation and Administration. Decitabine for injection is cytotoxic drug. Follow special handling and disposal procedures.1 Aseptically reconstitute decitabine for injection with room temperature (20C to 25C) 10 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP. Upon reconstitution, the final concentration of the reconstituted decitabine for injection solution is mg/mL. You must dilute the reconstituted solution with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection prior to administration. Temperature of the diluent (0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection) depends on time of administration after preparation. For Administration Within 15 Minutes of Preparation If decitabine for injection is intended to be administered within 15 minutes from the time of preparation, dilute the reconstituted solution with room temperature (20C to 25C) 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection to final concentration of 0.1 mg/mL to mg/mL. Discard unused portion. For Delayed Administration If decitabine for injection is intended to be administered after 15 minutes of preparation, dilute the reconstituted solution with cold (2C to 8C) 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection to final concentration of 0.1 mg/mL to mg/mL. Store at 2C to 8C for up to hours. Diluted stored solution must be used within hours from the time of preparation. Discard unused portion. Use the diluted, refrigerated solution within hours from the time of preparation or discard. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not use if there is evidence of particulate matter or discoloration.

DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS. For Injection: 50 mg of decitabine as sterile, white to almost white lyophilized powder in single-dose vial for reconstitution.. For Injection: 50 mg of decitabine as lyophilized powder in single-dose vial for reconstitution. (3).

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS. Drug interaction studies with decitabine have not been conducted. In vitro studies in human liver microsomes suggest that decitabine is unlikely to inhibit or induce cytochrome P450 enzymes. In vitro metabolism studies have suggested that decitabine is not substrate for human liver cytochrome P450 enzymes. As plasma protein binding of decitabine is negligible (<1%), interactions due to displacement of more highly protein bound drugs from plasma proteins are not expected.

GERIATRIC USE SECTION.

8.5 Geriatric Use. Of the total number of patients exposed to decitabine in the controlled clinical trial, 61 of 83 patients were age 65 years and over, while 21 of 83 patients were age 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING. Decitabine for injection is sterile, white to almost white lyophilized cake or powder for intravenous use supplied as: NDC 0781-3296-80, 50 mg single-dose vial individually packaged in carton.Store vials at 25C (77F); excursions permitted to 15 to 30C (59 to 86F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.].

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE. Decitabine for injection is indicated for treatment of adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) including previously treated and untreated, de novo and secondary MDS of all French-American-British subtypes (refractory anemia, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia) and intermediate-1, intermediate-2, and high-risk International Prognostic Scoring System groups.. Decitabine for injection is nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated for treatment of adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) including previously treated and untreated, de novo and secondary MDS of all French-American-British subtypes (refractory anemia, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia) and intermediate-1, Intermediate-2, and high-risk International Prognostic Scoring System groups.(1).

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. Myelosuppression Advise patients of the risk of myelosuppression and to report any symptoms of infection, anemia, or bleeding to their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Advise patients for the need for laboratory monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to inform their healthcare provider of known or suspected pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving decitabine and for months after last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving treatment with decitabine and for months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Lactation Advise women to avoid breastfeeding while receiving decitabine and for at least weeks after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)]. Manufactured by MSN Laboratories Private Limited Telangana 509228, India for Sandoz Inc. Princeton, NJ 08540.

OVERDOSAGE SECTION.

10 OVERDOSAGE. There is no known antidote for overdosage with decitabine. Higher doses are associated with increased myelosuppression including prolonged neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Standard supportive measures should be taken in the event of an overdose.

PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were evaluated in patients. Eleven patients received 20 mg/m2 infused over hour intravenously (treatment Option 2). Fourteen patients received 15 mg/m2 infused over hours intravenously (treatment Option 1). PK parameters are shown in Table 3. Plasma concentration-time profiles after discontinuation of infusion showed biexponential decline. The clearance (CL) of decitabine was higher following treatment Option 2. Upon repeat doses, there was no systemic accumulation of decitabine or any changes in PK parameters. Population PK analysis (N=35) showed that the cumulative AUC per cycle for treatment Option was 2.3-fold lower than the cumulative AUC per cycle following treatment Option 1. Table 3: Mean (CV% or 95% CI) Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Decitabine DoseCmax (ng/mL)AUC0-INF (ng.h/mL)T1/2 (h)CL(L/h/m2)AUCCumulative (ng.h/mL)15 mg/m2 3-hr infusion every hours for days (Option 1) 73.8(66) 163(62) 0.62(49) 125(53) 1332(1010-1730) 20 mg/m2 1-hr infusion daily for days (Option 2)+ 147(49) 115(43) 0.54(43)210(47) 570(470-700) N=14, +N=11, N=35 Cumulative AUC per cycle The exact route of elimination and metabolic fate of decitabine is not known in humans. One of the pathways of elimination of decitabine appears to be deamination by cytidine deaminase found principally in the liver but also in granulocytes, intestinal epithelium and whole blood. Specific Populations Patients with Renal Impairment There are no data on the use of decitabine in patients with renal impairment. Patients with Hepatic Impairment There are no data on the use of decitabine in patients with hepatic impairment.

PREGNANCY SECTION.

8.1 Pregnancy. Risk Summary Based on findings from human data, animal studies, and the mechanism of action, decitabine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant woman see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Limited published data on decitabine use throughout the first trimester during pregnancy describe adverse developmental outcomes including major birth defects (structural abnormalities). In animal reproduction studies, administration of decitabine to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis caused adverse developmental outcomes including malformations and embryo-fetal lethality starting at doses approximately 7% of the recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the U.S. general population is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies, respectively. Data Human Data single published case report of decitabine pregnancy exposure in 39-year old woman with hematologic malignancy described multiple structural abnormalities after cycles of therapy in the 18th week of gestation. These abnormalities included holoprosencephaly, absence of nasal bone, mid-facial deformity, cleft lip and palate, polydactyly and rocker-bottom feet. The pregnancy was terminated. Animal Data In utero exposure to decitabine causes temporal related defects in the rat and/or mouse, which include growth suppression, exencephaly, defective skull bones, rib/sternabrae defects, phocomelia, digit defects, micrognathia, gastroschisis, micromelia. Decitabine inhibits proliferation and increases apoptosis of neural progenitor cells of the fetal CNS and induces palatal clefting in the developing murine fetus. Studies in mice have also shown that decitabine administration during osteoblastogenesis (day 10 of gestation) induces bone loss in offspring. In mice exposed to single IP (intraperitoneal) injections (0, 0.9 and 3.0 mg/m2, approximately 2% and 7% of the recommended daily clinical dose, respectively) over gestation days 8, 9, 10 or 11, no maternal toxicity was observed but reduced fetal survival was observed after treatment at mg/m2 and decreased fetal weight was observed at both dose levels. The mg/m2 dose elicited characteristic fetal defects for each treatment day, including supernumerary ribs (both dose levels), fused vertebrae and ribs, cleft palate, vertebral defects, hind-limb defects and digital defects of fore- and hind-limbs. In rats given single IP injection of 2.4, 3.6 or mg/m2 (approximately 5%, 8%, or 13% the daily recommended clinical dose, respectively) on gestation days 9-12, no maternal toxicity was observed. No live fetuses were seen at any dose when decitabine was injected on gestation day 9. significant decrease in fetal survival and reduced fetal weight at doses greater than 3.6 mg/m2 was seen when decitabine was given on gestation day 10. Increased incidences of vertebral and rib anomalies were seen at all dose levels, and induction of exophthalmia, exencephaly, and cleft palate were observed at 6.0 mg/m2. Increased incidence of foredigit defects was seen in fetuses at doses greater than 3.6 mg/m2. Reduced size and ossification of long bones of the fore-limb and hind-limb were noted at 6.0 mg/m2. The effect of decitabine on postnatal development and reproductive capacity was evaluated in mice administered single mg/m2 IP injection (approximately 7% the recommended daily clinical dose) on day 10 of gestation. Body weights of males and females exposed in utero to decitabine were significantly reduced relative to controls at all postnatal time points. No consistent effect on fertility was seen when female mice exposed in utero were mated to untreated males. Untreated females mated to males exposed in utero showed decreased fertility at and months of age (36% and 0% pregnancy rate, respectively). Follow up studies indicated that treatment of pregnant mice with decitabine on gestation day 10 was associated with reduced pregnancy rate resulting from effects on sperm production in the F1-generation.

REFERENCES SECTION.

15 REFERENCES. OSHA Hazardous Drugs. OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html OSHA Hazardous Drugs. OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

2.1 Recommended Dosage. Pre-Medications and Baseline Testing Consider pre-medicating for nausea with antiemetics. Conduct baseline laboratory testing: complete blood count (CBC) with platelets, serum hepatic panel, and serum creatinine. Decitabine for Injection Regimen Options Three Day Regimen Administer decitabine for injection at dose of 15 mg/m2 by continuous intravenous infusion over hours repeated every hours for days. Repeat cycles every weeks upon hematologic recovery (ANC at least 1,000/uL and platelets at least 50,000/uL) for minimum of cycles. A complete or partial response may take longer than cycles. Delay and reduce dose for hematologic toxicity see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Five Day Regimen Administer decitabine for injection at dose of 20 mg/m2 by continuous intravenous infusion over hour daily for days. Delay and reduce dose for hematologic toxicity see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Repeat cycles every weeks upon hematologic recovery (ANC at least 1,000/uL and platelets at least 50,000/uL) for minimum of cycles. complete or partial response may take longer than cycles. Patients with Renal or Severe Hepatic Impairment Treatment with decitabine for injection has not been studied in patients with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment. For patients with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment, consider the potential risks and benefits before initiating treatment with decitabine for injection.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. (8.2). 8.1 Pregnancy. Risk Summary Based on findings from human data, animal studies, and the mechanism of action, decitabine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant woman see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Limited published data on decitabine use throughout the first trimester during pregnancy describe adverse developmental outcomes including major birth defects (structural abnormalities). In animal reproduction studies, administration of decitabine to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis caused adverse developmental outcomes including malformations and embryo-fetal lethality starting at doses approximately 7% of the recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the U.S. general population is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies, respectively. Data Human Data single published case report of decitabine pregnancy exposure in 39-year old woman with hematologic malignancy described multiple structural abnormalities after cycles of therapy in the 18th week of gestation. These abnormalities included holoprosencephaly, absence of nasal bone, mid-facial deformity, cleft lip and palate, polydactyly and rocker-bottom feet. The pregnancy was terminated. Animal Data In utero exposure to decitabine causes temporal related defects in the rat and/or mouse, which include growth suppression, exencephaly, defective skull bones, rib/sternabrae defects, phocomelia, digit defects, micrognathia, gastroschisis, micromelia. Decitabine inhibits proliferation and increases apoptosis of neural progenitor cells of the fetal CNS and induces palatal clefting in the developing murine fetus. Studies in mice have also shown that decitabine administration during osteoblastogenesis (day 10 of gestation) induces bone loss in offspring. In mice exposed to single IP (intraperitoneal) injections (0, 0.9 and 3.0 mg/m2, approximately 2% and 7% of the recommended daily clinical dose, respectively) over gestation days 8, 9, 10 or 11, no maternal toxicity was observed but reduced fetal survival was observed after treatment at mg/m2 and decreased fetal weight was observed at both dose levels. The mg/m2 dose elicited characteristic fetal defects for each treatment day, including supernumerary ribs (both dose levels), fused vertebrae and ribs, cleft palate, vertebral defects, hind-limb defects and digital defects of fore- and hind-limbs. In rats given single IP injection of 2.4, 3.6 or mg/m2 (approximately 5%, 8%, or 13% the daily recommended clinical dose, respectively) on gestation days 9-12, no maternal toxicity was observed. No live fetuses were seen at any dose when decitabine was injected on gestation day 9. significant decrease in fetal survival and reduced fetal weight at doses greater than 3.6 mg/m2 was seen when decitabine was given on gestation day 10. Increased incidences of vertebral and rib anomalies were seen at all dose levels, and induction of exophthalmia, exencephaly, and cleft palate were observed at 6.0 mg/m2. Increased incidence of foredigit defects was seen in fetuses at doses greater than 3.6 mg/m2. Reduced size and ossification of long bones of the fore-limb and hind-limb were noted at 6.0 mg/m2. The effect of decitabine on postnatal development and reproductive capacity was evaluated in mice administered single mg/m2 IP injection (approximately 7% the recommended daily clinical dose) on day 10 of gestation. Body weights of males and females exposed in utero to decitabine were significantly reduced relative to controls at all postnatal time points. No consistent effect on fertility was seen when female mice exposed in utero were mated to untreated males. Untreated females mated to males exposed in utero showed decreased fertility at and months of age (36% and 0% pregnancy rate, respectively). Follow up studies indicated that treatment of pregnant mice with decitabine on gestation day 10 was associated with reduced pregnancy rate resulting from effects on sperm production in the F1-generation.. 8.2 Lactation. Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of decitabine or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from decitabine in breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed while receiving decitabine and for at least weeks after the last dose.. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential. Pregnancy Testing Conduct pregnancy testing of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating decitabine. Contraception Females Decitabine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving decitabine and for months following the last dose. MalesAdvise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving treatment with decitabine and for months following the last dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Infertility Based on findings of decitabine in animals, male fertility may be compromised by treatment with decitabine. The reversibility of the effect on fertility is unknown [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. 8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of decitabine in pediatric patients have not been established.. 8.5 Geriatric Use. Of the total number of patients exposed to decitabine in the controlled clinical trial, 61 of 83 patients were age 65 years and over, while 21 of 83 patients were age 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia: Perform complete blood counts and platelet counts. (5.1)Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of reproductive potential of the potential risk to fetus and to use effective contraception. (5.2, 8.1, 8.3). Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia: Perform complete blood counts and platelet counts. (5.1). Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of reproductive potential of the potential risk to fetus and to use effective contraception. (5.2, 8.1, 8.3). 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 or occurring in 87% of patients. Grade or febrile neutropenia occurred in 23% of patients. Thrombocytopenia of any grade occurred in 89% of patients with grade or 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 pregnant woman see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1), 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 fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving decitabine and for months following the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving treatment with decitabine and for months following the last dose see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].