ETHYOL Use in Head and Neck Cancer

Side Effects of ETHYOL


Are there any side effects with ETHYOL?

Allergic reactions, including sudden severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) and severe skin reactions, have been associated rarely with ETHYOL® administration. Some severe reactions have been fatal or have required hospitalization and/or stopping ETHYOL. Severe skin reactions can develop weeks after starting ETHYOL treatment. Minor skin reactions have also been commonly reported. Nausea and/or vomiting occur frequently after ETHYOL is given, and may be severe. Your health care team should monitor you carefully before, during, and after ETHYOL therapy.

In a radiotherapy clinical trial of patients with head and neck cancer, the most common side effects reported in patients receiving ETHYOL were nausea/vomiting (53%) and low blood pressure (15%). Other side effects reported during or after ETHYOL therapy were flushing (feeling warm), chills, malaise (general feeling of sickness), fever, rash, dizziness, drowsiness, hiccups, and sneezing.

You should not take ETHYOL if you

  • Have low blood pressure
  • Are dehydrated
  • Have an allergy to ETHYOL or any of its ingredients

When receiving ETHYOL

  • Take antinausea medications if prescribed by your doctor. Medications should be taken when and as directed
  • Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor
  • Have your blood pressure monitored by a member of your health care team
  • Your doctor may monitor your serum calcium levels
  • Promptly report any skin reactions to your doctor

Tell your doctor about your health history and any other medications you are taking, as these medications may need to be stopped during ETHYOL therapy.

Please see important safety information and full Prescribing Information.