Amfosted 500mg Injection

About

Amfosted 500mg Injection is a cytoprotective agent designed to reduce the incidence of specific toxicities associated with certain antineoplastic therapies, particularly platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy. As a prodrug, Amfosted is rapidly dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatase in tissues to its active metabolite, WR-1065. This active metabolite selectively enters normal cells at a higher concentration than tumor cells, where it acts as a free radical scavenger and detoxifies reactive metabolites of chemotherapeutic agents. By protecting normal tissues, such as the kidneys, salivary glands, and bone marrow, Amfosted helps to mitigate severe side effects like nephrotoxicity, xerostomia, and myelosuppression, allowing for more aggressive and effective cancer treatment regimens. Its selective protection mechanism is crucial in improving the tolerability and safety profile of intensive cancer treatments, thereby enhancing patient quality of life during therapy.

Uses

• Reduction of cumulative renal toxicity associated with cisplatin.
• Reduction of xerostomia (dry mouth) in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation.
• Protection against myelosuppression from certain chemotherapies.
• Mitigation of other chemotherapy-induced toxicities.

Directions For Use

Administer intravenously as a short infusion, typically 15-30 minutes, prior to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Follow specific dosing guidelines based on the treatment protocol.

Benefits

• Reduces severe kidney damage from cisplatin.
• Minimizes radiation-induced dry mouth.
• Protects bone marrow from chemotherapy effects.
• Improves tolerability of cancer treatments.
• Allows for higher doses of chemotherapy.
• Enhances patient quality of life during therapy.

Side Effects

• Transient hypotension (low blood pressure).
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Flushing.
• Dizziness.
• Somnolence (drowsiness).
• Sneezing.
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching).
• Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).
• Chills or shivering.
• Metallic taste in mouth.
• Injection site reactions.
• Transient hypertension (rare).

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - No specific contraindication, but alcohol consumption should be discussed with a doctor, especially given the patient's underlying cancer and treatment.
• Pregnancy - Contraindicated; potential for fetal harm. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for a period thereafter.
• Breastfeeding - Not recommended; it is unknown if Amfosted or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. Discontinue breastfeeding during treatment.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; although primarily renally cleared, liver function should be monitored as part of overall cancer treatment.
• Kidney - Primarily used to protect kidneys from cisplatin toxicity; however, caution is advised in patients with pre-existing severe renal impairment.
• Lung - Generally safe, but monitor for any respiratory symptoms, especially in patients with pre-existing lung conditions or those receiving radiation to the chest.

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