USES: Amifostine is used to decrease the risk of kidney problems caused by treatment with a certain anti-cancer drug (cisplatin). It is also used to help prevent a certain side effect (dry mouth) caused by radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. Amifostine is thought to work by preventing certain chemicals from damaging healthy cells. It may also help repair cells damaged by cisplatin or radiation treatment.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, usually 15 to 30 minutes before cancer treatment or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.To decrease the risk of a certain side effect (low blood pressure), your doctor may direct you to lie down while receiving this medication. Also, if you are taking blood pressure medication, your doctor may direct you to stop taking it for 1 day before receiving this drug. Be sure to ask your doctor when to restart blood pressure medication.To decrease the risk of side effects (e.g., low blood pressure), drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Flushing, chills, unusual feelings of warmth/coldness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. Nausea and vomiting occur frequently and can be severe. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, seizure.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and non-prescription drugs. Symptoms of dry mouth include a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth, frequent thirst, sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth, cracked lips, a dry feeling in the throat, a b urning or tingling sensation in the mouth, and a dry, red, raw tongue.
There are several causes of dry mouth, also called xerostomia. These
include:
Side effect of certain medications. Dry mouth is a common side effect of
many prescription and nonprescription drugs, including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma
(certain bronchodilators), and Parkinson's disease. Dry mouth
can also a side effect of muscle relaxants and sedatives.
Side effect of certain diseases and infections. Dry mouth can be a
side effect of medical conditions, including Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis,
hypertension, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and mumps.
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