About your treatment
Your doctor has ordered the drug amifostine to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into a vein.
This medication is used to:
- protect the kidneys against the harmful effects of the cancer-fighting drug cisplatin in patients with ovarian cancer or lung cancer
- reduce the severe dry mouth caused by radiation treatment after surgery for head and neck cancer
Amifostine is in a class of drugs known as chemoprotectants; it protects against the harmful effects of cisplatin and radiation treatment. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- fainting
Special instructions
- You will probably be given anti-nausea medication before and during amifostine administration.
- Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to amifostine.
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