What is Amifostine?
Amifostine is used to reduce the adverse consequences of specific chemotherapy medications. chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy.Amifostine is used to shield the kidneys from the damaging consequences caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin when administered to women suffering from ovarian cancer.Amifostine can also be utilised to treat serious dry mouth due to radiation treatment of the neck and head that can damage the salivary gland.Amifostine is not able to prevent all the negative side effects associated with chemotherapy drugs. However, it can help safeguard your body from the severe side effects chemotherapy can trigger.Amifostine is also employed for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Amifostine
Seek medical attention immediately when you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response (hives and breathing problems and swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and irritation of your throat and eyes, burning sensations in your eyes, pain in the skin, or a red or purple eruption that causes peeling and blisters).Consult a doctor in the event of a severe drug reaction that could affect various parts of your body. Signs could include: an itch and fever; swelling of the glands; symptoms of flu-like symptoms; muscle discomfort; extreme weakening; unusual bruising or discoloration of your eyes or skin. This can happen several weeks after starting to use amifostine.
Inform your caregivers immediately in the event that you are suffering from:
- Severe or ongoing vomiting;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're passing out;
- Breath that is weak or shallow;
- Chest pain, rapid and high heart rate,
- A seizure;
- The appearance of rash, redness, or blisters on the palms of your hands or on the soles of your feet.
Common side effects of amifostine include:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Flushing (warmth, redness, warmth, or tingling sensation);
- Symptoms of fever, chills, and a general feeling of unwellness;
- Rash;
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Hiccups, sneezing;
- Double vision blurred, or double vision
- Discomfort, itching, bleeding, and redness, as well as swelling or pain around the needle.
It isn't a complete overview of every side effect. Other effects may also be experienced. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. It is possible to report any adverse reaction to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Be sure to avoid taking blood pressure medications within 24 hours before receiving amifostine.
Prior to use this drug
You shouldn't be treated with amifostine if you are sensitive to it or if
- You are dehydrated;
- You have had blood pressure medicine in the last 24 hours.
It is recommended to quit using any blood pressure medication for at least 24 hours prior to the time you start treatment with amifostine. Discuss with your doctor your concerns about taking blood pressure medications for a brief period of time.
To be sure amifostine is safe for you, inform your doctor if you've previously had:
- Kidney disease;
- Low blood pressure;
- High blood pressure;
- The calcium levels are low in your blood (hypocalcemia);
- Coronary heart disease or an earlier cardiac attack
- A stroke (including "mini-stroke").
It isn't known if amifostine can harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.It is unclear if amifostine can be absorbed into breast milk or if it can harm nursing babies. Do not breastfeed when taking this medication.
How to take Amifostine?
Amifostine is injectable into a vein via an IV. The healthcare professional will give the injection.Amifostine is typically given within 15–30 minutes prior to the beginning of chemotherapy or radiation.It is possible that you will need to drink more fluids prior to receiving amifostine. Follow your doctor's prescriptions.It is possible to receive other medicines to help prevent nausea or vomiting when you're receiving amifostine.To ensure that this medication does not cause negative side effects Your blood pressure will be monitored closely during the time you are taking amifostine.If you have stopped taking blood pressure medications the day prior to your amifostine infusion, health care providers will keep checking the blood pressure of your patient for a brief period after the infusion.Your doctor might ask you to take a calcium supplement while you receive amifostine. You should only take what is recommended by your doctor.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Consult your physician for the appropriate treatment. If you do not make an appointment for cancer treatment or radiotherapy,
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not take blood pressure medications within 24 hours prior to receiving amifostine.Be careful not to get up too fast from a seated or lying position following your amifostine infusion, and you could get dizzy. Start slowly and steady yourself to prevent falling.
Interaction with other drugs
Any medication that lowers blood pressure can cause dangerous negative side effects while taking amifostine.
Discuss with your physician your current medications and any new medications you begin or stop taking, in particular:
- Antidepressants;
- Heart or blood pressure medication;
- Medicine for erectile dysfunction;
- Medication for treating the symptoms of parkinson's disease medicine to treat parkinson's disease
- Opioid (narcotic) drug.
This list is not comprehensive. Other medications can interact with amifostine. These include medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of amifostine aren't all included in this guideline for medication.
