Your doctor has ordered the drug amifostine to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into a vein.
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
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.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
nausea
vomiting
flushing (feeling of warmth)
chills ( feeling of coldness)
fever
dizziness or lightheadedness
drowsiness
sneezing
hiccups
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.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
dizziness
lightheadedness
fainting
You will probably be given anti-nausea medication before and during amifostine administration.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to amifostine.
Last Revised - 02/11/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.