IFOSFAMIDE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ifex

GENERIC NAME(S): IFOSFAMIDE

Description: Ifosfamide is converted to an alkylating agent that disrupts DNA and protein synthesis of the target cells. It is routinely given with mesna to reduce urothelial toxicity.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Well absorbed from the GI tract (oral).
Metabolism: It is a prodrug that is extensively hepatically metabolised to a mixture of active and inactive metabolites.
Excretion: Urine (as unchanged drug and metabolites).

Uses

Ifosfamide slows or stops the growth of various cancer cells (such as testicular cancer, sarcomas, lung cancer).

How to use ifosfamide intravenous

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.

If this medication touches your skin, immediately wash the area well with soap and water. If this medication gets in your eye, open the eyelid and flush with water for 15 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention.

To help prevent urinary problems, drink plenty of fluids and urinate frequently while using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Your doctor may also prescribe other medication (e.g., mesna, IV fluids) to decrease the risk.

Warnings

Ifosfamide may cause serious side effects (e.g., urinary problems such as hemorrhagic cystitis, mental/mood changes, and blood/bone marrow disorders), which may require your treatment with this medication to be stopped.

Side Effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if these effects persist or worsen:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
stomach/abdominal pain
loss of appetite
redness/pain/swelling at the injection site

Dehydration may be caused by severe nausesa, vomiting and diarrhea.

Temporary hair loss frequently occurs in patients using this drug. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

Tell your doctor right away if you have unusual weakness or seizure.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Precautions

Allergic reaction to this medication
Patients with medical history of: blood/bleeding disorders (e.g., anemia, low blood cell counts), current infection, kidney disease, liver disease, radiation treatment.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor
avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose
Tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication before having surgery
This drug may make you drowsy
This medication may affect the production of sperm
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

Interactions

Other anti-cancer drugs, aprepitant/fosaprepitant and nalidixic acid may interact with this drug include.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

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

Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, blood salt/mineral levels, kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.

Storage

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands

Available Brands

Iphox [ Korea United Pharma ]

Also marketed as

Holoxan [ Baxter Healthcare ]