Drug Notes

Amifostine (By injection)

Amifostine (a-mi-FOS-teen)

Protects the kidneys from harmful effects caused by cisplatin and protects the saliva glands during radiation therapy.

Brand Name(s):

Ethyol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how amifostine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • A diuretic (water pill), such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), torsemide
  • Medicines for high blood pressure, such as amlodipine, atenolol, clonidine, lisinopril, metoprolol, olmesartan

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of low blood pressure, stroke, or transient ischemic attacks (TIA).
• This medicine may cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.
• Drink extra fluids during the 24 hours before you receive this medicine.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Chest pain, or fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever or chills
• Red skin lesions on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
• Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Unusual drowsiness or sleepiness
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017