Uses of undefined

Amifostine is an intravenously administered drug. It protects the kidneys from the harmful effects of the chemotherapy drug (cisplatin) in patients that receive this medication to treat ovarian cancer. It is also used to decrease dryness in the mouth caused by radiation treatment after head and neck cancer surgery. It works by protecting against the harmful effects of chemotherapy medications and radiation treatment.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Amifostine will be administered to you by a doctor or other healthcare professional in a hospital setting trained in cancer chemotherapy. Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and duration of the therapy based on your disease status, severity, and other factors such as body weight, other disease conditions, and age. This medicine will be given intravenously (into your vein). Do not self-administer the injection. 

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Patients who are hypotensive and dehydrated should not receive this medicine. This medicine is intended to cause severe skin reactions, Inform your physician if you get a red itchy rash and hives in the skin after administration of the injection. Amifostine may cause severe birth defects when administered during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, suspecting or planning for pregnancy. 

Precautions

Inform your healthcare professional if you have a history of low blood pressure, stroke, seizure or any other complication before initiating the therapy. Do not take Amifostine if you are allergic to Amifostine or any of the other ingredients. Notify your physician if you have any history or liver disease, kidney disease, heart disorders, heart failure, or heart rhythm changes. Amifostine may impair fertility; talk with your doctor if you are planning for pregnancy. Your healthcare professional may advise you to take certain blood tests to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of the therapy. 

Side Effects

The common side effects of amifostine include skin rash, nausea, and vomiting. Other serious side effects include decreased blood pressure, severe skin rash, and hypersensitivity reactions. 

Word Of Advice

Store the injection at room temperature 20°C to 25°C. Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. If you missed the dosing schedule, inform your healthcare professional immediately and reschedule. Use effective contraception during the treatment. Drink extra fluids during the 24 hours before you receive this medicine. You may be advised to take calcium supplements and other medications to help prevent nausea and vomiting. Do not smoke or consume alcohol while using this medicine.

Frequently Asked Question

• Can a patient with kidney problems take Amifostine?
• Amifostine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of this injection may not be needed in kidney disease patients. Please consult your doctor for more advice.

• Is hypotension a side effect of amifostine?
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) may occur with amifostine. Report to your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of blurred vision, confusion, severe dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness, sweating, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

• What if I overdose or take two doses of amifostine?
• If you unknowingly overdosed or took two doses of amifostine, immediately inform your healthcare professional and seek medical advice.

• What if I miss a dose of amifostine?
• Do not miss your dose. Keep all your appointments with the dosing regularly. In case if you forget or missed an appointment, inform your healthcare professional and reschedule the dosing. 

• Are there any special dietary instructions I should follow while taking amifostine?
• Unless your doctor tells you to avoid certain foods, continue your normal diet. Consult your doctor for more advice on dietary restrictions.