Ifex (Ifosfamide) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Ifex

Cancer »

What is cancer?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

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Ifex

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Ifex Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

IFOSFAMIDE - INJECTION

(eye-FOSS-fuh-mide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ifex

WARNING: 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. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as pink/bloody urine, frequent/painful urination, severe drowsiness, confusion, or hallucinations. Blood/bone marrow disorders can affect your body's ability to stop bleeding or fight infection. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop easy bruising/bleeding or signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat).

USES: Ifosfamide is used to treat various cancers (such as testicular cancer). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to treat other types of cancer (such as sarcomas, lung cancer).

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor. 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.