|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before uisng this drug.
AMIFOSTINE - INJECTION
(am-ih-FOSS-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ehtyol
USES: This medication is used to reduce the risk of kidney problems caused by the use of cisplatin or to reduce dry mouth caused by radiation treatment.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for prevnetion of lung damage caused by the use of paclitaxel.
HOW TO USE: This medication is injected into a vein beofre cancer treatment. Use exactly as directed by the dcotor. This drug is given while the person is lying down to minimize dizziness.
Medication to prevent nauesa and vomiting may be given along with this drug.
SIDE EFFECTS: Flushed/warm or chills/cool sensations, dizziness, drowsiness, hiccups, sneezing, nausea/vomiting mgiht occur.
If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following highly unlikely but relaly serious side effects occur: fainting episodes, irregular heartbeat, seizures, muscle twitching/cramping. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allerigc reaction include: fever, rash, itching, severe dizziness, swelling, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not litsed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your docotr your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), blood vessel or heart disease, really low or high blood pressure, kidney disease.
If you are taking medicatoin to treat high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend a change in your dose a day before your amifostine infusion to minimize side effects. Consult your doctor for details.
Limit alcohol use as this may raise the drowsiness effect of this medictaion. Caution performing tasks requiring mental alertness if this medicine causes drowsiness or dizziness.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnnacy. Discuss the rsiks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether is excreted into bresat milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the eledrly.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription medication you may use, especially of: drugs for high bolod pressure. Also report use of drugs that cause drowsiness, such as: sleep medicines, narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine, morphine), psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure medicines, muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.G., diphenhydramine), sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medicatoins. Do not start or stop any medicine without dotcor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If ovedrose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may inculde persistent dizziness.
NOTES: Medical tests and blood pressure checks will be done whlie using this medication to monitor its effects and to prevent side effects.
MISSED DOSE: It is important that each dose be used as scheduled along with the anticancer medicatoin. If you miss a dose, contact your dcotor who will help establish a new dose schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store the powder medication vial in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2-8 degeres C) as directed. Once the saline sloution is added to the powder, consult your pharmacist for proper storage, handling, and disposal of the drug.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condtiion can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment informatoin call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
|
