What is Decitabine used for?

myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS); chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).

What are the common side effects of Decitabine?

Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection, bleeding, and tiredness. Feeling tired. Nausea. Constipation or diarrhea. Fever. Cough. Swelling in the legs.

When should I call my care team while taking Decitabine?

A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine; Shortness of breath or a new cough; Vomiting or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down.

Decitabine

Say it: dee-SYE-tuh-been · Brand names: Inqovi

Decitabine is a medicine that helps bone marrow cells grow and work more normally and kills abnormal cells.

What it is

Decitabine changes how genes are switched on and off in cells. This can help bone marrow make healthier blood cells and kill abnormal ones. The pill form (Inqovi) adds a medicine called cedazuridine so decitabine can be absorbed by mouth.

Often used for

myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)

How you get it

Decitabine is often given through a vein (IV) over 1 hour once a day for 5 days, every 4 weeks. The pill form, Inqovi, is a combination pill that has both decitabine and cedazuridine. It is taken at home once a day for 5 days, every 4 weeks. It may take several cycles to work. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection, bleeding, and tiredness. Wash your hands often.
Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
Nausea. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
Constipation or diarrhea. Drink fluids and tell your team if it lasts.
Fever. Check your temperature if you feel unwell.
Cough. Tell your team if it is new.
Swelling in the legs. Raise your legs when sitting.

Call your care team right away if you have

A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine
Shortness of breath or a new cough
Vomiting or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down

Before you start, tell your team

If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
If you have kidney or liver problems
All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take

Good to know

You will have blood tests often to check your blood counts, liver, and kidneys.
Blood counts may get worse before they get better in the first few cycles.
It can harm an unborn baby. Women and men should use birth control during treatment and for a time after.

At home

If you take the pills, take them on an empty stomach. Do not eat for 2 hours before and 2 hours after each dose.
Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush, cut, or chew them.
If you miss a dose or vomit after a dose, ask your team what to do.
Store at room temperature in the original bottle.
Caregivers should wear gloves if they touch the pills and wash hands after.

Questions to ask

Will I get this by IV or as pills?
How many cycles before we know if it is working?
How often will I need blood tests or transfusions?

Side effect guides

Sources

Quick answers

What is Decitabine?: Decitabine is a medicine that helps bone marrow cells grow and work more normally and kills abnormal cells. Brand names: Inqovi.
What is Decitabine used for?: myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS); chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).
How is Decitabine given?: Decitabine is often given through a vein (IV) over 1 hour once a day for 5 days, every 4 weeks. The pill form, Inqovi, is a combination pill that has both decitabine and cedazuridine. It is taken at home once a day for 5 days, every 4 weeks. It may take several cycles to work. Your schedule may be different.
What are the common side effects of Decitabine?: Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection, bleeding, and tiredness. Feeling tired. Nausea. Constipation or diarrhea. Fever. Cough. Swelling in the legs.
When should I call my care team while taking Decitabine?: A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine; Shortness of breath or a new cough; Vomiting or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.