Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

IFOSFAMIDE - INJECTION

(eye-FOSS-fuh-mide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ifex

WARNING: Ifosfamide has caused severe urinary system problems (e.g., hemmorrhagic cystitis), blood disorders (e.g., bone marrow suppression), and CNS toxcities (e.g., confusion, loss of coordination, coma). These problems may require stopping the use of this medication. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of an infection (e.g., persistent fever or sore throat), unusual fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, mood changes, confusion, sleepiness, difficult or painful urination, bloody urine, or dizziness.

Uses

This medication is often used in combination with other medications to treat various cancers.

How To Use

This medication is given by a health care professional as an injection into a vein (IV). It is important to drink large amounts of fluids while taking this medication. If you have difficulty drinking large amounts of water, fluid will be given by an IV as well.

Side Effects

This medication causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, reversible hair loss, dizziness, confusion, depression, mouth sores, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and skin rash. Notify your doctor if these symptoms continue or become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following while taking this medication: fever, chills, sore throat, breathing difficulties, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellow discoloration of the eyes or skin, blood in the urine, painful urination, severe stomach ache, muscle pain. This medication affects your blood cells. It is important to have your blood checked frequently while taking this medication to monitor the medications effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, any infections, previous anti-cancer treatment, blood disorders, any allergies you may have. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor. Ifosfamide passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor. This medication can affect the production of sperm in men. Therefore, reliable birth control should be used while using this medication.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: warfarin.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This medication must be taken under close medical supervision. Discuss the risks and benefits of this therapy with your doctor.

Missed Dose

It is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C).