Cancer treatment is a very challenging journey. These treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are very powerful in destroying cancer cells. But sometimes these treatments can also damage healthy cells in our body. So, your doctor may decide to give you a special medicine that works like a "bodyguard" to protect these healthy cells. Amifostine is one such protective medicine. Let's talk about this medicine today.
Simply put, what is Amifostine?
Amifostine is a protective drug . This means that it is not a drug that directly treats cancer. Instead, it is a drug that helps prevent or reduce some of the damage that cancer treatment can cause to our bodies. It can be found on the market under the name `(Ethyol)`.
This is mainly used in two situations:
1. To protect the kidneys: Some chemotherapy drugs, for example, a drug called `(cisplatin)`, can damage the kidneys. Amifostine injection can help minimize that damage.
2. To reduce the side effects of radiation therapy: When radiation therapy is given to the head or neck, dry mouth is a common side effect. This condition can make it difficult to eat or even talk. Amifostine reduces the occurrence of such side effects.
The most important thing is that the doctor who treats you will decide whether you need this medicine or not.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If there is a condition where the body is dehydrated .
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have had a previous stroke or mini-stroke (TIA) .
- If you have an irregular heartbeat .
- If you usually have low blood pressure .
- If you have low levels of calcium in your blood.
- If you are taking medication for high blood pressure .
- If you have an allergic reaction to Amifostine, other medications, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether to give you this medicine and, if so, how to give it.
How to give the medicine and things to be careful about
This medicine is not something you can take home. It is an injection into a vein, like saline . Therefore, it is only given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a medical professional.
While you are receiving this medicine, the medical team will regularly monitor your condition, especially your blood pressure .
What if you give it to children?
If using this medicine on children, talk to a pediatrician about it and do so with special care.
What if the medicine is overdosed? (Overdosage)
Since this is given in a hospital, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you think you have been exposed to something, inform the medical staff immediately. If you need urgent information, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In an emergency, you should go directly to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Something to be very careful about!
This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions . The most dangerous thing is that these can appear weeks, or even months, after starting the medicine.
If you suddenly develop a rash with symptoms like a fever or a cold, call your doctor right away. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and start to peel. Or, if you notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or a rash on the neck or armpits, call your doctor right away.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Amifostine can have side effects. Some of them should be reported immediately, while others are usually not dangerous.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor/medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing problems | Difficulty breathing, feeling like your chest is tightening. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Feeling faint | Dizziness, blurred vision, and a feeling of being pulled out. |
| Low blood pressure | This is a common side effect and the medical team is keeping an eye on it. |
| Nausea and vomiting | This is also very common. Other medications will be given to control this. |
| Severe skin reactions | Fever, skin rashes, blisters, and peeling skin (can also occur inside the mouth). |
| Other | Fever, chills, seizures, difficulty urinating. |
| Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Flushing | When the medicine is given, the skin turns red and the body feels hot. |
| Hiccups | Hiccups. |
| Sneezing | Sneezing. |
| Tiredness | Feeling tired. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, don't be afraid to ask your doctor about it.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with Amifostine. This is mainly due to the fact that Amifostine temporarily lowers blood pressure, so taking blood pressure medications can cause your blood pressure to drop too low.
Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements. Don't forget to tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Take-Home Message
- Amifostine is a special protective drug that protects your healthy cells, especially the kidneys and salivary glands, during cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation).
- This is given as an injection into a vein in a hospital. It is not a medicine to take home.
- Before taking the medication, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions (especially heart disease, low blood pressure) and medications you are taking.
- Things like low blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting may be common, but be very careful about things like severe skin allergies and breathing difficulties.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor or medical team about any unusual symptoms. Your safety is their top priority.
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