Amifostine
Generic name: amifostine [ AM-i-FOS-teen ]
Brand name: Ethyol
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (500 mg)
Drug class:Antineoplastic detoxifying agents
What is amifostine?
Amifostine is used to help lessen the side effects of certain cancer chemotherapy medications or radiation treatment.
Amifostine is used to protect the kidneys from harmful effects caused by cisplatin when given to patients with ovarian cancer.
Amifostine is also used to prevent severe dry mouth caused by radiation treatment of the head and neck, which can affect the salivary gland.
Amifostine will not prevent all side effects of chemotherapy medications. However, amifostine may help protect your body from some of the serious side effects that chemotherapy can cause.
Amifostine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Avoid taking blood pressure medication within 24 hours before you receive amifostine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with amifostine if you are allergic to it, or if:
you are dehydrated; or
you have taken blood pressure medication in the past 24 hours.
You will need to stop taking any blood pressure medication for at least 24 hours before you are treated with amifostine. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about stopping your blood pressure medication for a short time.
To make sure amifostine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);
heart disease or prior heart attack; or
a stroke (including "mini-stroke").
It is not known whether amifostine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether amifostine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How is amifostine given?
Amifostine is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Amifostine is usually given within 15 to 30 minutes before the start of radiation or chemotherapy.
You may need to drink extra liquids before you receive amifostine. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You may be given other medications to prevent
