What Is Xpreza?

Xpreza is a brand name for azithromycin, a prescription antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics. Azithromycin was first approved by the FDA in 1991 and is available in different forms (tablets, capsules, oral suspension).

Manufactured by Natco Pharma Ltd.

Comes in different forms/dosages:

Injection — 100 mg vials.

Tablet — available in 200 mg and 300 mg.

What Is It Used For?

• Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) — a group of bone marrow disorders.

• It can also be used for certain types of blood cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).

How It Works

Azithromycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, stopping the growth and spread of bacteria. It’s effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including those causing ear infections, pneumonia, and chlamydia.

Clinical studies (e.g., in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy) show it clears infections in 80-90% of cases, with a long half-life allowing shorter treatment courses.

Azacitidine (Xpreza) is an antimetabolite: it “mimics” a building block of DNA/RNA in cells, which interferes with cancer cell growth and helps normalize bone marrow function.

By doing this, it helps reduce abnormal blood cells and supports the production of healthier ones.

How to Use It

• Injection form: Given by a healthcare provider.Tablet form: Taken orally, with or without food, but preferably at the same time each day.

• Do not adjust your dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor.

Side Effects

Some common side effects are:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Weakness or fatigue

• Fever, chills

• Digestive issues: diarrhea or constipation

• Bruising, low blood potassium (hypokalemia)

Precautions and Safety

• Use under strict medical supervision — it’s a cytotoxic (chemotherapy) drug.

• Not safe in pregnancy.

• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.

• Requires regular blood tests (CBC, liver, kidney) because of the risk of blood cell changes.

• Storage: Tablets should be stored below 30°C.

Things to Inform Your Doctor About:

Tell your doctor if:

• You have liver or kidney problems.

• You have infections or signs of infection (fever, sore throat) — because the drug can lower immune defenses.

• You are on other medicines — some may interact.

Bottom Line

Xpreza (Azacitidine) is a serious medication used for blood cancer and related bone marrow disorders. It’s not a benign or over-the-counter drug — it needs close monitoring, and there are significant side effects.