Description
What is Natfost® Amifostine Injection?
Amifostine (ethiofos) is a cytoprotective adjuvant used in cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy involving DNA-binding chemotherapeutic agents. It is marketed by Clinigen Group under the trade name Ethyol. Amifostine is used to help prevent or lessen some of the side effects of cisplatin (a cancer medicine) or radiation therapy on the kidneys and salivary glands.
Amifostine is used therapeutically to reduce the incidence of neutropenia-related fever and infection induced by DNA-binding chemotherapeutic agents including alkylating agents (e.g. cyclophosphamide) and platinum-containing agents (e.g. cisplatin). It is also used to decrease the cumulative nephrotoxicity associated with platinum-containing agents. Amifostine is also indicated to reduce the incidence of xerostomia in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
Amifostine was originally indicated to reduce the cumulative renal toxicity from cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer. However, while nephroprotection was observed, the probability that amifostine could protect tumors could not be excluded. Additional data have shown that amifostine-mediated tumor protection, in any clinical scenario, is unlikely.
Natfost 500mg Injection is used to prevent dryness in the mouth after radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. It reduces the harmful effect of chemotherapy on the kidneys during treatment with cisplatin (medicines used to treat cancer). Natfost 500mg Injection works by removing free radicals, harmful elements produced by cisplatin (a medicine used to treat cancer) or radiation therapy in tissues.
Natfost 500mg Injection is given as an injection into a vein (IV infusion) under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it the wrong way or taking too much can cause severe side effects. It may take several weeks or months to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
Nausea, vomiting, decreased blood pressure, sleepiness, dizziness, and flushing are some common side effects of this medicine. Consult with your doctor if it does not go away or bothers you. It is advised to stay hydrated before taking this medicine. You will be checked for blood pressure before infusion and every 5 minutes during infusion.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have heart diseases such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure, or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using.
In Treatment of Dryness in the mouth after radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. Natfost 500mg Injection is used to decrease dryness in the mouth caused by radiation treatment after surgery for head and neck cancer. It protects the kidneys from the harmful effects of the chemotherapy medicine cisplatin in patients that receive this medication for the treatment of ovarian cancer. It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse and should not be self-administered.
