ETHYOL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION | SAFETY INFORMATION

Drink plenty of fluids
Maintain a healthy diet
Dental care
Get plenty of rest
Communicate with healthcare providers
Resources

It is very important to take special care of yourself during cancer treatment. You should begin by closely following the directions of your physician or nurse, including how to take your prescribed medications. Your physician or nurse will give you advice that is specific to your therapy and the side effects that might occur, but these suggestions may also help:

Drink plenty of fluids

Drink 8 to 12 cups of water or clear liquids every day.¹

Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks-these can dehydrate you.¹

To help you keep track of what and how much you eat and drink, you may want to keep a daily diary.

Maintain a healthy diet

Eat healthy meals that are rich in vitamins and protein as they will help rebuild tissue in your body.¹ Foods rich in protein include meats, fish, poultry (chicken, turkey, etc), milk, cheese, eggs, and nuts.

Be sure to eat and drink enough calories to maintain your weight.¹

One recipe that physicians have recommended to patients is the following protein milkshake. Ask your physician if this may be right for you.

Protein Milkshake²
1/2 cup whole milk
1 envelope instant breakfast mix
1 cup vanilla ice cream (add flavorings and different flavored ice creams for variety)
Blend together to desired consistency.

If you have head and neck cancer and are being treated with radiation³:

Avoid spices and coarse or acidic foods since these can irritate your
mouth and throat.

Avoid sugary snacks, which can promote tooth decay.

Sip cool drinks.

Moisten foods with gravies and sauces to make them easier to eat.

Do not eat very hot or cold foods.

Dental care for patients undergoing radiation to the
head and neck

Your physician may want you to visit your dentist before you undergo radiation treatment.³ Your dentist may complete any dental work you might need and give you tips on taking care of your teeth during treatment, including:

	Clean your teeth and gums with a very soft brush.
	Use a fluoride toothpaste that is not abrasive.
	Rinse your mouth with cool water or a baking soda solution after you brush (use 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of water).

Get plenty of rest

If you often have difficulty sleeping, please tell your physician or nurse. The following suggestions may help you get the rest you need during therapy.⁴

	Try to sleep at the same time each day.
	Create a quiet environment for sleep.
	Create a bedtime ritual like reading or taking a warm bath.
	Use deep breathing exercises to relax.

Communicate with your caregivers and healthcare providers

Be sure to tell your nurse, physician, and caregivers about how you're feeling during your treatment.

Report any and all side effects.

Always ask your physician any questions you have about your Ethyol treatment.

Resources

If you have questions about your health or therapy, you should consult your physician or nurse first. The following organizations may be able to provide additional support.

American Dietetic Association
www.eatright.org

CancerCare, Inc.
www.cancercare.org

References: 1. National Cancer Institute. Nutrition in cancer care. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nutrition/patient/allpages. Accessed March 7, 2005. 2. American Cancer Society. What to do before treatment begins. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_6_2X_What_
to_do_before_ treatment.asp?sitearea=MBC. Accessed February 25, 2005. 3. American Cancer Society. What side effects occur with radiation therapy to the head and neck area? Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_2_3X
_What_Side_Effects_Occur_ With_ Radiation_Therapy_to_the_Head_and_
Neck_Area.asp?sitearea=MBC. Accessed February 25, 2005. 4. American Cancer Society. Getting a good night's sleep may be challenging for a cancer patient. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_2_1x_ getting_a_good
_nights_sleep_may_be_challenging_for_a_cancer_patient.asp. Accessed March 7, 2005.