Dacogen Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in males and females: Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraceptive measures and avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with Dacogen. The time period following treatment with Dacogen where it is safe to become pregnant is unknown. Men should use effective contraceptive measures and be advised to not father a child while receiving Dacogen, and for 3 months following completion of treatment (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
The use of decitabine with hormonal contraceptives has not been studied.
Pregnancy: There are no adequate data on the use of Dacogen in pregnant women. Studies have shown that decitabine is teratogenic in rats and mice (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions). The potential risk for humans is unknown.
Based on results from animal studies and its mechanism of action, Dacogen should not be used during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception. If Dacogen is used during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while receiving this medicinal product, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the foetus.
Breast-feeding: It is not known whether decitabine or its metabolites are excreted in breast milk. Dacogen is contraindicated during breast-feeding; therefore, if treatment with this medicine is required, breast-feeding must be discontinued (see Contraindications).
Fertility: No human data on the effect of decitabine on fertility are available. In non-clinical animal studies, decitabine alters male fertility and is mutagenic. Because of the possibility of infertility as a consequence of Dacogen therapy, men should seek advice on conservation of sperm and female patients of childbearing potential should seek consultation regarding oocyte cryopreservation prior to initiation of treatment.