Ethyol
Generic name:amifostine [ AM-i-FOS-teen ]
Drug class:Antineoplastic detoxifying agents
What is Ethyol?
Ethyol is used to help lessen the side effects of certain cancer chemotherapy medications or radiation treatment.
Ethyol is used to protect the kidneys from harmful effects caused by cisplatin when given to patients with ovarian cancer.
Ethyol is also used to prevent severe dry mouth caused by radiation treatment of the head and neck, which can affect the salivary gland.
Ethyol will not prevent all side effects of chemotherapy medications. However, Ethyol may help protect your body from some of the serious side effects that chemotherapy can cause.
Ethyol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Avoid taking blood pressure medication within 24 hours before you receive Ethyol.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Ethyol if you are allergic to it, or if:
you are dehydrated; or
you have taken blood pressure medication in the past 24 hours.
You will need to stop taking any blood pressure medication for at least 24 hours before you are treated with Ethyol. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about stopping your blood pressure medication for a short time.
To make sure Ethyol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);
heart disease or prior heart attack; or
a stroke (including "mini-stroke").
It is not known whether Ethyol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether amifostine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How is Ethyol given?
Ethyol is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Ethyol is usually given within 15 to 30 minutes before the start of radiation or chemotherapy.
You may need to drink extra liquids before you receive Ethyol. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You may be given other medications to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving Eth...
