Ifosfamide is used to treat various cancers. It works by
slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using ifosfamide and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by a health care professional.
It is injected slowly into a vein over 30 minutes. The 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 get medical help
right away.
To help prevent urinary problems, drink plenty of fluids
and urinate often unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Your doctor may
also prescribe other medication (such as mesna, intravenous fluids) to
decrease the risk.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, loss
of appetite, or redness/pain/swelling at the injection site may occur.
Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe
medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small
meals, not eating before treatment, avoiding alcoholic beverages, or
limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may rarely cause
dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of
dehydration such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry
mouth/increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness/lightheadedness, or
pale/wrinkled skin.
Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush
your teeth gently/carefully, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol,
and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt.
It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should
return after treatment has ended.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- numbness/tingling in the hands/feet
- signs of heart problems (such as fast/slow/irregular
heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness,
unusual/sudden weight gain)
- change in the amount of urine
- vision changes (such as decreased/blurred vision)
- irregular/stopped menstrual periods (women)
Rarely, people who are treated with this medication have
developed other cancers (such as leukemia). Talk with your doctor for more
details.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using ifosfamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- blood/bleeding problems (such as anemia, low blood cell
counts)
- current infection
- heart problems (such as fast/irregular heartbeat, heart
failure)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- radiation treatment
- problems with urination (such as blockage)
This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Ifosfamide can make you more likely to get infections or
may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
ifosfamide before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with
people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
This medication may make a wound heal more slowly than
usual. To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution
with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such
as contact sports.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication can affect fertility in both males and
females. Ask your doctor for more details.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using ifosfamide. Ifosfamide
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Women using this medication should ask about
reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 12 months after
the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable forms of
birth control during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. If you
or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the
risks and benefits of this medication.
This medication passes into breast milk and may have
undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended
while using this medication and for 1 week after the last dose. Consult
your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts,
blood salt/mineral levels, kidney function) should be done before you start
using this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).