Suggested dosing of Avemar (wheat germ extract)
9 g PO qDay
>90 kg: 9 g PO BId
Administration
Mix powder in 150 mL water or other liquid not containing vitamin C
Take 1 hour before meals
Suggested uses of Avemar (wheat germ extract)
Certain cancers, esp colorectaL
Efficacy
Small clinical trials showed significant improvement in progression-free & overall survival (Br J Cancer 89, 465-469: 2003) & absence of metastases (Hepato-Gastroenterology 47, 393-395:2000) in colorectal cancer patients compared to control groups
Other studies indicate survival benefit in melanoma & quality-of-life improvement in breast cancer
Approved in Hungary as a medical nutriment
Avemar (wheat germ extract) adverse (side) effects
Soft stools, nausea, diarrhea
Warnings
Contraindications
Pregnancy, lactation
Malabsorption syndrome, GI ulcers, celiac sprue, gluten sensitivity
Pattients undergoing transplants
Inherited fructose intolerance
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Give only when patient has been able to take food orally without complications for at least 4 days
Give other medicinal products or supplements at least 2 hours apart (esp vitamin C)
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: avoid
Lactation: avoid
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Avemar (wheat germ extract)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Induces apoptosis in cancer cells; also immunostimulatory & hematopoietic effects
