Ethyl

Ethyl

Ethyl

What is Ethyl?

Ethyol is used to protect the kidneys from the harmful effects of cisplatin when given to patients with ovarian cancer.

Ethyol is also used to prevent severe dry mouth caused by radiation to the head and neck, which can affect the salivary gland.

Ethyol does not prevent all side effects of chemotherapy drugs. However, ethylol can help protect your body from some serious side effects that chemotherapy can cause.

Ethylene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ethylene side effects

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction(hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat)or a severe skin reaction(Fever, sore throat, burning in the eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical attention if you experience a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. This reaction may occur several weeks after you start using ethylene.

Tell your caregivers immediately if you have:

• severe or persistent vomiting;

• a light-headed feeling, as if you were going to faint;

• weak or shallow breathing;

• chest pain, fast or slow heartbeat;

• a seizure; or

• Redness, rash, or blisters on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

Common side effects of ethylol may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling);

• fever, chills, general malaise;

• rash;

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• hiccups, sneezing;

• blurred vision, double vision; or

• Pain, itching, redness, bruising, or swelling around the IV needle.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Avoid taking blood pressure medications within 24 hours before receiving ethylene.

Before you take this medicine

You should not be treated with ethylol if you are allergic to it or if:

• You are dehydrated; or

• You have taken blood pressure medication in the last 24 hours.

You must stop taking any blood pressure medication for at least 24 hours before being treated with ethylol. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about stopping your blood pressure medication for a short time.

To make sure ethylol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• low blood pressure;

• high blood pressure;

• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);

• heart disease or previous heart attack; or

• a stroke (including “mini-stroke”).

It is not known whether ethylene will harm an unborn child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

It is not known whether amifostine passes into breast milk or whether it could harm a breast-fed baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How is ethyl administered?

Ethylene is injected into a vein through an IV. A doctor will give you this injection.

Ethyol is usually given within 15 to 30 minutes before radiation or chemotherapy begins.

You may need to drink additional fluids before receiving ethylene. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may be given other medications to prevent nausea or vomiting during treatment with ethylol.

To ensure that this medication does not cause harmful effects, your blood pressure will be closely monitored during treatment with ethylol.

If you stopped taking blood pressure medication the day before your ethylol infusion, your providers will continue to check your blood pressure for a short time after your infusion.

Your doctor may ask you to take a calcium supplement while you are receiving ethylene. Only take the amount of calcium recommended by your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking ethylene?

Avoid taking blood pressure medications within 24 hours before receiving ethylene.

Avoid getting up from sitting or lying down too quickly after your ethylol infusion, otherwise you may feel dizzy. Stand up slowly and stabilize yourself to prevent a fall.

What other drugs affect ethyl?

Taking medications that can lower your blood pressure can cause dangerous side effects during treatment with ethylol.

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking and any medications you are taking or stopping, especially:

• an antidepressant;

• heart or blood pressure medications;

• Erectile dysfunction medicines;

• Medicines for the treatment of Parkinson's disease; or

• Opioid medications (narcotics).

This list is not complete. Other medications may interact with amifostine, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.