Indication: Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] is indicated for supplementing the clinical oncological treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.) of cancer patients. Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] is indicated to be taken without interruption before, during the full course and after the completion of oncological treatments. Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] can be taken at any stage of a tumorous disease. After surgery, Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] may be initiated when the patient has been able to take food orally without complications for at least 4 days.
Side effects: Side effects are extremely rare; you might occasionally experience softer stool, a feeling of sickness or nausea.
Contraindication: The product is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avemar lyophilizate is also strictly contraindicated for patients undergoing organ or tissue transplantation. The product should not be consumed by patients suffering from the bleeding erosion or ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract (bleeding peptic or duodenal ulcer) or from malabsorption syndrome (impaired nutrient absorption). It is also contraindicated in the case of gluten-sensitive enteropathy (celiac sprue) or for patients with hypersensitivity to any of the components and ingredients of the product.
Known interactions: Leave a gap of at least two hours between administering Avemar and vitamin C or any product containing vitamin C. It is advisable to administer Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] and other medicinal products separately, at different times of the day.
Important notice: The application of Avemar lyophilizate does not serve as a substitute for clinical oncological treatment or medication! The product can only be used under medical supervision. The product can only be used above the age of 14. The product is not suitable for use as the sole source of nourishment. In the event of examinations in which oral contrast material is used, instructions of the attending physician must be respected. Diabetics can consume the product, taking into account the carbohydrate content.
Storage: Protect from heat, store in a cool, dry place, preferably below 22°C, in a refrigerator. Does not need to be deep-frozen. Keep out of reach of children!
Best before: Two years after manufacturing, until the end of the month shown at the bottom of the box.
Before administration, please read the detailed user information leaflet.
Application:
Preparation of a single dose: Pour the contents of one sachet Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] (5.75 g) into a glass. Add 100-200 ml water (or still mineral water), mix thoroughly and drink the solution. Any solution not consumed within 30 minutes of preparation, should be discarded.
Dosage: For those who weigh less than 90 kg, one dose of Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] is recommended per day, prepared as described above, preferably 1 hour before eating. For those who weigh more than 90 kg, two doses are recommended (one in the morning and one in the evening).
Before administration, please read the detailed user information leaflet.
CONTENTS
Ingredients: Fermented wheat germ extract (5.5 g/sachet), natural orange flavour, sweetener: standardised stevia extract (steviol-glycoside 19.4 mg/sachet).
The active ingredient of the product is fermented wheat germ extract, which is a biologically transformed extract of high quality wheat germ.
The values listed under nutrients might vary to the extent normal for products made of natural ingredients.
PREPARATION IDEAS
Based on the experiences and accounts of patients who have been using Avemar for a longer period of time and on our dietitian’s recommendation, we collected a number of ideas and suggestions that make the consumption of the special dietary food easier.
We hope we can help all those who might have experienced any issues while trying to consume Avemar. If you have experienced no such issues, we recommend that you use Avemar in the usual manner.
We are always happy to hear any ideas you may have – by letter, email or telephone – so that we can share them with others.
WHAT IS LYOPHILISATION?
Lyophilisation, or freeze drying is a water removal process, typically used to preserve and extend the self life of medicine and food. Using this process, we can efficiently preserve the biological activity of materials sensitive to heat, while maintaining their optimum re-solubility properties.
Lyophilisation is a gentle but very expensive drying technique. It requires a special lyophilising equipment, also known as a lyophilizer (see picture):
1. The material to be dried is distributed to trays and put into the lyophilizer, which is a fairly large container, usually with a transparent door.
2. In this space, separated from the outside world, the material to be dried is first cooled and frozen.
3. The air is then sucked out of the tank, i.e. the inside of the lyophilizer, which creates a low-pressure environment around the material to be dried. The best equipments come close to creating the ideal vacuum.
4. With the low air pressure created, the controlled evaporation of water starts. The process is characterised by the immediate formation of water vapour from the solid ice phase, leaving out the liquid phase. This phenomenon is called sublimation. Low pressure promotes the evaporation of water molecules.
5. During the drying cycle, usually sensors are used to monitor changes in the material to be dried during the drying cycle. As the drying cycle progresses, the trays are heated up, but only slightly, for example, in a gentle dryer, heating may mean a final temperature of 20 °C.
6. At the end of the drying cycle, which normally takes about 24-48 hours, normal air pressure is restored in the lyophilisation tank and, after opening the door of the equipment, the storage trays, containing the gently dried finished product, are removed.
7. As drying processes go, freeze drying, also known as lyophilisation, is a time-consuming and costly process. However, it is one of the most gentle processes for heat-sensitive materials. The dry matter loss is very low and, in the case of most products, hardly any change takes place concerning the material nature and properties of the product.
USER INFORMATION
1. What is Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar]?
Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] is a dietary food for special medical purposes for cancer patients.
2. What is the active ingredient of Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar]?
One sachet (5.75 g) of Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] contains 5.5 g fermented wheat germ. Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] is a special, patented, freeze-dried extract, produced by pharmaceutical technology. Wheat germ is only its basic raw material.
3. What else does the product contain?
Standardised stevia extract and natural orange flavouring.
4. In which cases is it recommended to take Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar]?
Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] is indicated for supplementing the clinical oncological treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.) of cancer patients. Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] is indicated to be taken without interruption before, during the full course and after the completion of oncological treatments. Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] can be taken at any stage of a tumorous disease. After surgery, Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] may be initiated when the patient is able to take oral food without complications for at least 4 days.
5. When can I start taking Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar]?
It is recommended to start taking Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] as soon as the tumorous disease is diagnosed, there is no need to wait for the oncological treatment to start.
6. What do I need to know before taking Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar]?
The product is not suitable for use as the sole source of nourishment. The application of Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] does not serve as a substitute for clinical oncological treatment or medication.
7. How Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] should be taken?
Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] should be taken continuously, without interruption. Once oncological treatment is over, continued use for several years is recommended, until complete recovery. If you stopped or discontinued to use Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] for any reason, you can start again later.
8. When the product should not be taken?
The product is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] is also strictly contraindicated for patients undergoing organ or tissue transplantation. The product should not be consumed by patients suffering from the bleeding erosion or ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract (bleeding peptic or duodenal ulcer) or from malabsorption syndrome (impaired nutrient absorption). It is also contraindicated in the case of fructose intolerance, gluten-sensitive enteropathy (celiac sprue) or for patients with hypersensitivity to any of the components and ingredients of the product.
9. Can diabetics take Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar]?
Yes, diabetics can consume it as well, taking into account the carbohydrate content of the product.
10. In which cases should the Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] treatment be temporarily suspended?
It is advised to suspend the Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] treatment at least two days before a gastroenteral diagnostic procedure in which contrast material is used (for example, gastro-enteric, diagnostic x-ray examination with barium sulphate), then continue the treatment on the day following the examination. It is also advised to suspend taking Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] two days before a PET/CT examination. Instructions of the attending physician must be followed at all times. Whenever examinations or procedures need to be carried out on an empty stomach, Avemar should not be taken.
11. Can children use the product?
The product can be used above the age of 14.
12. What unwanted effects may the product have?
Side effects are extremely rare; you might occasionally experience softer stool, a feeling of sickness or nausea.
13. Can Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] be taken together with other medicinal products?
Yes, it can. Leave a gap of at least two hours between administering Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] and vitamin C or any product containing vitamin C. It is advisable to administer Avemar and other medicinal products separately, at different times of the day.
14. How do you prepare Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar]?
Pour the contents of one sachet Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] (5.75 g) into a glass. Add 100-200 ml water (or still mineral water), mix thoroughly and drink the solution. Any solution not consumed within 30 minutes of preparation, should be discarded.
You may also use soft drink, tea, kefir, yoghurt, cocoa or milk. According to received wisdom, using cool or cold liquid makes the solution more pleasant to drink. It is important not to use warm or hot liquid. Using any liquid containing vitamin C (ascorbic acid or food additive E 300) is not recommended.
Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] can also be administered by using a medical pipe (in this case, it is practical to dilute Avemar in a smaller amount of water).
15. What is the recommended daily dose and when should it be taken?
For those who weigh less than 90 kg, one dose of Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar] is recommended per day, prepared as described above, preferably 1 hour before eating. For those who weigh more than 90 kg, two doses are recommended (one in the morning and one in the evening).
16. How do you store and transport Avemar lyophilizate [Oncomar]?
Store in a cool, dry place, preferably below 15°C, in a refrigerator. You do not need to deep-freeze it. Keep out of reach of children. During transportation, be carful to protect the product from permanent heat.
17. What kind of scientific studies have been carried out on Avemar?
Please, visit our website, where you can review prestigious Hungarian and international publications covering the results and conclusions of the clinical studies carried out on Avemar.
