Amifostine
About Amifostine
Amifostine belongs to the class of cytoprotective agents. It is used in reducing cumulative renal toxicity associated with repeated administration of cisplatin in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. It is also used for the reduction of the incidence of moderate to severe xerostomia in patients undergoing post-operative radiation treatment for head and neck cancer.
Amifostine contains Amifostine, which belongs to the class of protective agents. It works by protecting the kidneys in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Amifostine may cause certain side effects such as nausea, vomiting, pain at the site of injection, and injection site reactions. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects persist for longer. Amifostine will be administered by your physician in the hospital. Do not self-administer.
Avoid receiving Amifostine and inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other components of it. Before taking Amifostine, tell your doctor if you have/had liver or kidney disease, cardiac problems, skin disorders, and low calcium levels. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, it is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding while taking this Amifostine.
Uses of Amifostine
Medicinal Benefits
Amifostine contains Amifostine, which is used in protecting kidneys from renal toxicity associated with repeated administration of cisplatin in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. It is a cytotoxic medicine that detoxifies the reactive metabolites of platinum and alkylating agents.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Amifostine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain at the site of injection
- Allergic reactions
- Injection site reactions
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue receiving Amifostine for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Amifostine may cause severe cutaneous reactions, hypotension, cardiovascular problems, nausea, vomiting, and hypocalcemia. Therefore, caution should be exercised if you have/had liver or kidney disease, heart problems, and skin disorders while receiving Amifostine. This medicine may also cause severe hypersensitivity reactions. Hence, careful monitoring is recommended and discontinue the treatment if any severe allergic reactions occur. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment, as this medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. This medicine is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Amifostine may have interaction with antihypertensive drugs, calcimimetic drugs (etelcalcetide),
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Dug-Disease Interactions: Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart problems, hypotension, skin disorders, or hypocalcaemia before starting the treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Amifostine interacts with alcohol. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
unsafeAmifostine is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Amifostine. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving Amifostine. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAmifostine should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant. Avoid nursing your child while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
not applicableAmifostine will be administered to hospitalized patients.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before receiving this medicine. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function while on treatment with this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Amifostine. Tell your doctor if you have little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, or blood in your urine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAmifostine is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy is not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss, and gives strength. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, etc.
- Foods containing fibre help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic blood test to monitor the function of the kidney and calcium levels due to the use of Amifostine.
- Using contraceptive pills while using Amifostine to prevent pregnancy is advised.
- Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended during the treatment course to check for any changes in cardiovascular events.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ovarian cancer: It is a common type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply out of control and form a tumor. If left untreated, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). This is called metastatic ovarian cancer. Symptoms may include abdominal bloating, pressure, pain, abnormal fullness after eating, difficulty eating, increased urination, and an increased urge to urinate.
FAQs
Amifostine contains Amifostine, which works by protecting the kidneys in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
