Gerodaza^®

Gerodaza^® is used to treat the following conditions in adults for whom a stem cell transplant cannot be performed:

• high risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
• chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML).
• acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

These diseases affect the bone marrow and can therefore lead to disturbances in normal blood cell formation.

How does Gerodaza^® work?

Gerodaza^® is an anti-cancer drug that belongs to a group of medicines called “antimetabolites”. Gerodaza^® contains the active ingredient azacitidine.

Gerodaza^® works by preventing cancer cells from growing. Azacitidine is incorporated into the genetic material of the cells (the ribonucleic acid (RNA) and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)). It probably changes the way the cells switch the function of genes on and off and it also interferes with the formation of new RNA and DNA. These effects probably correct disturbances in the maturation and growth of young blood cells in the bone marrow that lead to myelodysplastic disorders and kill cancer cells in leukaemia. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional if you want to know more about how Gerodaza^® works or why you have been prescribed this medicine.

How Gerodaza^® is used

This medicine is given to you by a doctor or healthcare professional as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) in the area of the thigh, abdomen or upper arm.

The doctor will choose the dose of this medicine that is suitable for you according to your general health and your height and weight. The doctor will monitor your disease progression and may change the dose if necessary. At the beginning of each treatment cycle, your doctor will give you another medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting before giving you Gerodaza^®.

Gerodaza^® is used daily for a period of 1 week, followed by a treatment break of 3 weeks. This “treatment cycle” is repeated every 4 weeks. Usually there are at least 6 treatment cycles.

If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.