Ifex

 
Generic Name: ifosfamide

Brands: Ifex

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

· Ifex 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 Ifex 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 Ifex.

 

What is Ifex?

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

· Ifex is used to treat testicular cancer.

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

 

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

· Before taking Ifex, 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 Ifex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Ifex is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Ifex is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take Ifex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Ifex passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take Ifex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Ifex?

· Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Ifex 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 Ifex to monitor progress and side effects.

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

· Your healthcare provider will store Ifex injection as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Ifex 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 Ifex.

 

What happens if I overdose?

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

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

 

What should I avoid while taking Ifex?

· Ifex 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 Ifex. 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 Ifex injection should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

 

What are the possible side effects of Ifex?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);     ·blood in the urine;     ·lower back or side pain;     ·frequent, painful or difficult urination;     ·black or tarry stools;     ·signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat;     ·extreme sleepiness, confusion, hallucination or coma; or     ·unusual bleeding or bruising.

· Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience     ·nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;     ·mouth sores;     ·diarrhea; or     ·temporary hair loss.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Ifex?

· Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with Ifex. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with Ifex.

· Other medications may interact with Ifex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with Ifex.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Ifex written for health professionals that you may read.

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