ifosfamide

Brand name(s):

Ifex

What is the most important information I should know about ifosfamide?

Ifosfamide should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of ifosfamide including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); urinary problems (blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, or increased frequency of urination); neurologic problems (drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, and coma); and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with ifosfamide.

What is ifosfamide?

Ifosfamide is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Ifosfamide interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Ifosfamide is used to treat testicular cancer.

Ifosfamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ifosfamide?

Before taking ifosfamide, tell your doctor if you have:

had recent vaccinations;
kidney disease;
bone marrow problems;
had radiation or x-ray therapy; or
been treated with other chemotherapy medicines.

You may not be able to take ifosfamide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Ifosfamide is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that ifosfamide is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take ifosfamide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Ifosfamide passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take ifosfamide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I take ifosfamide?

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with ifosfamide depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor may suggest taking increased fluid by mouth or intravenously (IV) and may prescribe another drug, such as mesna, to prevent bleeding in the bladder.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with ifosfamide to monitor progress and side effects.

Skin accidentally exposed to ifosfamide should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Your healthcare provider will store ifosfamide injection as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing ifosfamide injection at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of ifosfamide.

What happens if I overdose?

If for any reason an overdose of ifosfamide is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a ifosfamide overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while taking ifosfamide?

Ifosfamide can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with ifosfamide. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

Skin accidentally exposed to ifosfamide injection should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

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