Amifostine injection

What is this medication?

AMIFOSTINE (am i FOS teen) is a protective medicine. It is used to prevent or lessen the kidney damage that can be caused by cisplatin chemotherapy. It is also used to prevent some side effects caused by radiation therapy to the head or neck.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ethyol

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

•dehydrated

•heart disease

•history of stroke or TIAs

•irregular heartbeat

•low blood pressure

•low levels of calcium in the blood

•taking medicine for high blood pressure

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

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

•medicines for blood pressure

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Visit your doctor as directed.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain or tightness
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever, chills
• low blood pressure
• nausea, vomiting
• rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

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

• flushing
• hiccups
• sneezing
• tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.