ETHYOL

Drug Name: ETHYOL

ETHYOL DESCRIPTION:
AMIFOSTINE INJECTION (am-ih-FOSS-teen)

COMMON ETHYOL BRAND NAME(S):
Ethyol

ETHYOL 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. Dizziness could be a sign of blood pressure that is too low. Very unlikely but report promptly any fainting episode or skin rash, seizures or muscle twitching/cramping. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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

ETHYOL USES:
ETHYOL 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 OF ETHYOL:
ETHYOL may also be used for prevention of lung damage caused by the use of paclitaxel.

ETHYOL PRECAUTIONS:
Before using ETHYOL, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), blood vessel or heart disease, very low or high blood pressure or kidney disease. Limit alcohol use as this may increase the drowsiness effect of ETHYOL. Caution performing tasks requiring mental alertness if this medicine causes drowsiness or dizziness. ETHYOL 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 ETHYOL is used in the elderly.

ETHYOL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription medication you may use, especially any drugs for high blood pressure treatment or medications that can cause drowsiness such as sleep medicines, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medicines, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine or morphine), psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure medicines, muscle relaxants or certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ETHYOL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include weakness, anxiety, and change in amount of urine.

ETHYOL NOTES:
Medical tests will be done while using ETHYOL to monitor its effects and to prevent side effects.

MISSED ETHYOL 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.

ETHYOL 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. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.