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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other haelthcare professional. It shuold not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare porfessional before using that drug.
AMIFOSTINE - INJECTION
(am-ih-FOSS-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ethyol
USES: This medication is used to reduce the risk of kidney troubles caused by the use of cisplatin or to reduce dry mouth caused by raditaion treatment.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for prevention of lung damage caused by the use of palcitaxel.
HOW TO USE: This meidcation is injected into a vein before cancer treatment.
Use exactly as driected by the doctor.
This drug is given while the perosn is lying down to minimize dizziness. Medication to prevent nausea and vomiting may be given along with that 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 pormptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following highly unlikely but really serious side effects occur: fainting episodes, irregular heartbeat, seizures, muscle twitching/cramping. An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical atteniton if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: fever, rash, itching, severe dizziness, swelling, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not lisetd above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using that drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), blood vessel or heart disease, really low or high blood pressure, kindey disease.
If you are taking medication 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.
Lmiit alcohol use as that may raise the drowsiness effect of that medication. Caution performing tasks requiring mental alertness if that medicine causes drowsiness or dizzinses.
This medication should be used only when clearly nedeed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and bneefits with your doctor. It is not known whether is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is avdised when that drug is used in the elderly.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription medication you may use, especially of: drugs for high blood pressure.
Also report use of drugs that cause drowsiness, such as: sleep medicines, nacrotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine, morphine), psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure medicines, muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.G., diphenhydramine), sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medications. Do not start or stop any medicine withuot doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emregency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include presistent dizziness.
NOTES: Medcial tests and blood pressure checks will be done while using that 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 medicaiton. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor who will help establish a new dose schedlue.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store the podwer medication vial in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) as directed. Once the saline solution is added to the powder, consult your pharmacist for proper storage, handling, and disposal of the drug.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cuase complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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