Onureg (azacitidine) is a brand-name drug prescribed to treat acute myeloid leukemia in certain adults. Onureg comes as a tablet that’s typically taken once daily on days 1 through 14 of a 28-day cycle.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Onureg to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in certain situations. It’s prescribed for use in adults.

Onureg belongs to a drug class called nucleoside metabolic inhibitors. Onureg is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Onureg, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Onureg, including specifics about its uses, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Onureg provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Onureg, always follow the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Below is information about Onureg’s recommended dosage.

Onureg forms

Onureg comes as an oral tablet you swallow.

Onureg strengths

Onureg comes in two strengths: 200 milligrams (mg) and 300 mg.

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

Dosage for acute myeloid leukemia

The recommended dose of Onureg for AML is 300 mg once daily. It is taken on days 1 through 14 of a 28-day cycle. On days 15 through 28 of the cycle, you will not take Onureg.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

How to take Onureg

Onureg comes as an oral tablet. Here are tips on how to take Onureg:

  • Swallow each tablet whole. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place the tablet in water.
    • If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • You can take your dose of Onureg with or without food.
  • It’s recommended that you take Onureg at around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Onureg can work effectively.
  • To help prevent nausea and vomiting, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an anti-nausea medication, such as ondansetron (Zofran).
    • You would take the anti-nausea medication 30 minutes before each dose of Onureg.
    • This treatment is recommended for at least the first two Onureg cycles. But if you don’t have nausea or vomiting during these two cycles, your doctor may suggest stopping the anti-nausea medication.
  • If you miss a dose of Onureg or don’t take it at the usual time, take the dose as soon as you can on the same day. The next day, resume your normal schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day.
  • If you vomit after taking your dose of Onureg, do not take another dose. Resume your normal schedule the following day.
  • Onureg should be handled carefully:
    • You may want to wear gloves when taking the medication or wash your hands with soap and water after giving the medication.
    • If powder from the tablet touches your mucus membranes (such as the inside of your nose and eyes), flush the area with water right away.

Long-term treatment

Onureg is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Onureg is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term. Onureg is typically taken until your cancer progresses or you have side effects that are hard to manage.

Before you start taking Onureg, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Onureg in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

It’s important that you do not take more Onureg than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Onureg

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Onureg. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.