How is it used?

Before taking

While taking

Your doctor has ordered the drug amifostine to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into a vein.

This medication is used to:

• protect the kidneys against the harmful effects of the cancer-fighting drug cisplatin in patients with ovarian cancer or lung cancer
• reduce the severe dry mouth caused by radiation treatment after surgery for head and neck cancer

Amifostine is in a class of drugs known as chemoprotectants; it protects against the harmful effects of cisplatin and radiation treatment. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.

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

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