Amifostine is used to prevent kidney disease and infection due to low levels of white blood cell in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
It is also used to reduce the occurrence of dry mouth when undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
Amifostine injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Amifostine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- low blood pressure
- excessive water loss from the body
as Amifostine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels
- diseases involving the blood vessels in the brain
- kidney disease
Do stay adequately hydrated before having Amifostine injection infusion to prevent lightheadedness.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Amifostine may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, flushing, dizziness, loss of consciousness, blurred vision and rash.
You may experience dizziness and light-headedness due to drop in blood pressure. To minimise this problem, ensure adequate hydration and receive infusion of this medicine while lying flat on your back. If you experience this side effect, you can incline your body 15-30 degree with your feet elevated above your head while lying flat on your back.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- rashes with skin peeling or blisters / rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- redness of the skin (erythematous lesions)
- giant blister on the palms or soles (bullous lesions)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any blood pressure lowering medicines.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Do not use this medicine if it becomes cloudy or if it has changed in colour.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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