Amifostine

What Is Amifostine?

Amifostine a chemoprotectant (KEEM-o-pro-TEK-tant) that can help lessen the side effects of certain cancer chemotherapy medications or radiation treatment.
Amifostine is used to protect the kidneys from harmful effects caused by cisplatin when given to patients with ovarian cancer.
Amifostine is also used to prevent severe dry mouth caused by radiation treatment of the head and neck, which can affect the salivary gland.
Amifostine will not prevent all side effects of chemotherapy medications. However, this medication may help protect your body from some of the serious side effects that chemotherapy can cause.
Amifostine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use amifostine if you are allergic to it.
Before you receive amifostine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, low or high blood pressure, low levels of calcium in your blood, heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure, circulation problems, a history of stroke, if you are dehydrated, or if you have any rash or blisters on your hands, feet, lips, or mouth.
Avoid taking blood pressure medication within 24 hours before you receive amifostine. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about stopping the blood pressure medication for a short time.
Some of the side effects of amifostine may occur up to several weeks after you receive this medication.
Serious side effects include feeling like you might pass out, chest pain, fast or slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing, seizure, severe skin rash, or urinating less than usual or not at all.
You should not receive amifostine if you are allergic to it.
To make sure you can safely use amifostine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• low blood pressure;
• high blood pressure;
• any rash, redness, blisters, or swelling of your hands, feet, lips, or mouth;
• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);
• heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure;
• circulation problems or a history of stroke, including TIA ("mini-stroke");
• if you are dehydrated; or
• if you take blood pressure medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether amifostine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether amifostine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using amifostine.

Amifostine Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; chest tightness, difficult breathing; fever or chills; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some of the side effects of amifostine may occur up to several weeks after you receive this medication.
Tell your caregiver right away if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain, fast or slow heart rate;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• seizure (convulsions);
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• severe skin rash on your stomach, back, or trunk;
• redness, rash, or blisters on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• cold feeling;
• hiccups;
• sneezing; or
• mild fever, general ill feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Amifostine Interactions

Avoid taking blood pressure medication within 24 hours before you receive amifostine. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about stopping the blood pressure medication for a short time.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position after your amifostine infusion, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially medicines to treat high blood pressure.
There may be other drugs that can interact with amifostine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Amifostine Dosage

Amifostine is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Amifostine may be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up to 15 minutes to complete.
You may need to drink extra liquids before you receive amifostine. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You may be given other medications to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving amifostine.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure will be watched closely while you are receiving amifostine. If you have stopped taking blood pressure medication the day before your amifostine infusion, your caregivers will continue to check your blood pressure for a short time after your infusion.
Your doctor may have you take a calcium supplement while you are receiving amifostine. Take only the amount of calcium that your doctor has prescribed.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.