Health Center

Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley

Drugs that are not chemotherapy

Amifostine Injection

What does amifostine do?

AMIFOSTINE (Ethyol®) is used to decrease the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Generic amifostine is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive amifostine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

·low blood pressure

·low calcium

·an unusual or allergic reaction to amifostine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

·pregnant or trying to get pregnant

·breast-feeding

How should I receive this medicine?

Amifostine is given as an infusion into a vein by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What other medicines can interact with amifostine?

·medicines to lower blood pressure

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving amifostine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

·nausea/vomiting

·lightheadedness or feeling faint

·dizziness

·redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

·flushing

·hiccups

·sneezing

What do I need to watch for while I receive amifostine?

Your condition will be closely monitored while you receive amifostine. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Amifostine will be given in a hospital or clinic setting prior to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. You will not take this medicine at home.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

[ Revised 8/14/99]

This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.

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