This medication is manufactured by Genesis Bio-Pharmaceuticals.
Product Information
Ethyol (Amifostine) is a selective cytoprotective agent used to reduce toxicities associated with certain cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Specifically, Ethyol (Amifostine) is an intravenous organic thiophosphate cytoprotective agent indicated to reduce the incidence of moderate to severe xerostomia (dry mouth) in patients undergoing post-operative radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, where the radiation port includes a substantial portion of the parotid glands. Ethyol is also indicated for the reduction of cumulative renal toxicity associated with repeated administration of cisplatin in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Your physician or nurse will give you Ethyol (Amifostine) before you receive your cisplatin or radiation therapy. This will ensure that Ethyol (Amifostine) is present in your normal cells before cisplatin or radiation is given to you. When Ethyol (Amifostine) is in your normal cells, it can help protect them from the damaging effects of these therapies.
You should NOT receive Ethyol (Amifostine) if:
You are allergic to amifostine
You have low blood pressure
You are dehydrated
Each day before you receive Ethyol (Amifostine) :
Drink 8 to 12 cups of water or other non-alcoholic clear fluids.2 This will help to ensure that you are well hydrated.
If you are receiving Ethyol with cisplatin, your physician may have you stop taking any blood pressure medication the day before you receive Ethyol (Amifostine).
Each day of your Ethyol (Amifostine)treatment:
You may receive other medicine to prevent side effects like nausea and vomiting. It is important to take this medication as directed by your physician to minimize side effects that could occur from treatment.
Your physician or nurse may give you clear fluids to help prevent side effects.
A nurse may check your blood pressure before, during, and/or after you receive Ethyol (Amifostine).
Ethyol Side Effects:
Nausea and/or vomiting occur frequently after Ethyol is given and may be severe.
Temporary drop in blood pressure
Cutaneous eruptions
Less common side effects are:
Flushing (feeling warm)
Dizziness
Fever
Chills
Drowsiness
Hiccups
Allergic reactions
Sneezing
Arrythmias (irregular heartbeat)
