Amifostine

Amifostine protects the kidneys during chemotherapy. Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory.

Amifostine Overview

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Amifostine is a prescription medication used to protect the kidneys during chemotherapy and reduces dry mouth during radiation.  Amifostine belongs to a group of drugs called cytoprotectants.  These work by protecting against the harmful effects of chemotherapy medications and radiation treatment.

This medication is available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) by a healthcare professional.

Common side effects of amifostine include nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure.

How was your experience with Amifostine?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking Amifostine?

What are you taking Amifostine for?

Choose one
  • Other
  • Drug Toxicity
  • Kidney Failure, Acute
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic
  • Radiation Injuries, Experimental

How long have you been taking it?

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  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Amifostine work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend Amifostine to a friend?

Amifostine Cautionary Labels

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precautionsprecautions

Uses of Amifostine

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Amifostine is a prescription medication used to treat the following:

  • protect the kidneys against the harmful effects of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
  • reduce dry mouth caused by radiation treatment after surgery for head and neck cancer.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Amifostine Brand Names

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Amifostine may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Amifostine Drug Class

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Amifostine is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Amifostine

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Serious side effects have been reported with amifostine.  See the "Drug Precautions" section.

Common side effects of amifostine include nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of amifostine side effects.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.  You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.