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Introduction of Amifostine
Amifostine
is in a class of drugs known as chemoprotectants; it
protects against the harmful effects of cisplatin and
radiation treatment. The length of treatment depends on the
types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds
to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Amifostine
is used to:
-
protect the
kidneys against the harmful effects of the cancer-fighting
drug cisplatin in patients with ovarian cancer or lung
cancer
-
reduce the
severe dry mouth caused by radiation treatment after surgery
for head and neck cancer
Precautions for Amifostine
Before taking amifostine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
amifostine or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional
supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to
mention medications for high blood pressure. Your doctor may
need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you
carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney
disease, chest pain (angina), irregular heartbeats, heart
failure, a stroke, or a mini-stroke.
- women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell
their doctors before they begin taking this drug. You should
not plan to have children while receiving chemotherapy or
for a while after treatments. (Talk to your doctor for
further details.) Use a reliable method of birth control to
prevent pregnancy.
- you should know that the most common side effect of
amifostine is a decrease in blood pressure, which may start
while the drug is being given and lasts about 6 minutes. You
will be told to lie on your back and your blood pressure
will be checked regularly during your treatment. Your doctor
may order fluids to be given by injection into a vein to
help improve your blood pressure.
Side Effects of Amifostine
Amifostine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of
these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
-
nausea
-
vomiting
-
flushing (feeling of warmth)
-
chills ( feeling of coldness)
-
fever
-
dizziness or lightheadedness
-
drowsiness
-
sneezing
-
hiccups
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are
uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor
immediately:
-
shortness of breath
-
fainting
-
seizures
-
chest tightness
-
skin rash
-
hives
-
swelling of the throat
Amifostine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if
you have any unusual problems while taking this drug.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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