USES:  This medication is used to reduce the risk of kidney problems caused by the use of cisplatin or to reduce dry mouth caused by radiation treatment. 

OTHER USES:  This drug may also be used for prevention of lung damage caused by the use of paclitaxel. 

HOW TO USE:  This medication is injected into a vein before cancer treatment. Use exactly as directed by the doctor. This drug is given while the person is lying down to minimize dizziness. Medication to prevent nausea and vomiting may be given along with this drug. 

SIDE EFFECTS:  Flushed/warm or chills/cool sensations, dizziness, drowsiness, hiccups, sneezing, nausea/vomiting might occur. If these persist or worsen, notify  your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately  if any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting episodes, irregular heartbeat, seizures, muscle twitching/cramping. An  allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seeks immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: fever, rash, itching, severe dizziness, swelling, trouble breathing. If you notice  other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. 

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug,  tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), blood vessel or heart disease, very low or high blood pressure, kidney 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. Limit alcohol use as this may increase the drowsiness effect of this medication. Caution performing tasks requiring mental alertness if this medicine causes drowsiness or dizziness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this 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, narcotic  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 without doctor or pharmacist approval. 

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center  or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents  should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include persistent dizziness. 

NOTES:  Medical tests and blood pressure checks will be done while using  this 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 medication. If you miss a dose, contact  your doctor who will help establish a new dose schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose  to catch up.

STORAGE: Store  the powder 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.