Ifosfamide

Brand Names

Ifosfamide

What is Ifosfamide

Ifosfamide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. This medication is beneficial in the treatment of germ cell testicular cancer, bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Ifosfamide also is used to treat lung cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Side effects of Ifosfamide

Side effects caused by ifosfamide may include:

• thinned or brittle hair
• darkened and thickened skin
• fatigue

If you have noticed any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor as soon as possible:

• painful urination or red urine
• black, tarry stools
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• cough
• congestion
• fever
• dizziness
• chills
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• nausea and vomiting
• rash
• agitation, confusion, or hallucinations

Indication

This medication is used to treat germ cell testicular cancer, bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Ifosfamide also is used to treat lung cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Precautions

Stop taking ifosfamide if you:

• are allergic to ifosfamide or any other drugs.
• take any other prescription and non-prescription medications, especially aspirin and vitamins.
• have or have ever had kidney disease
• have any vaccinations (e.g., measles or flu shots)

It is very important to know that ifosfamide may interfere with the normal menstrual cycle (period) in women and may stop sperm production in men. However, you should not assume that you cannot get pregnant or that you cannot get someone else pregnant. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell their doctors before they begin taking this drug. You should not plan to have children while receiving chemotherapy or for a while after treatments. (Talk to your doctor for further details.) Use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Ifosfamide may harm the fetus. While being treated with ifosfamide, drink plenty of fluids because this drug can irritate your kidneys and bladder. This precaution is especially important if you have had chemotherapy before.

Dosage forms

Dose of Ifosfamide for third line chemotherapy of germ cell testicular cancer in adults

1.2 g/m2, diluted to 50 mg/mL IV over 30 minutes once a day with mesna (intravenous, oral, or continuous intravenous infusion) just before and 4 and 8 hours after each dose and aggressive (usually IV) hydration (2 to 4 L/day).

Ifosfamide is usually given for 5 days, with 5 day regimens repeated every 3 to 4 weeks, and after recovery from hematologic toxicity.

Dose of Ifosfamide for Cervical Cancer in adults

(In combination with other chemotherapeutic agents as a part of the BIP regimen) 5,000 mg/m2 IV over 24 hours on day 2. Cycle repeated every 21 days

(In combination with other chemotherapeutic agents as a part of the BIC regimen) 2,000 mg/m2 IV on days 1 through 3. Cycle repeated every 21 days

Dose of Ifosfamide for Malignant Disease in children

1200-1800 mg/m2/day for 3-5 days every 21-28 days or 5000 mg/m2 as a single 24 hour infusion or 3 g/m2/day for 2 days.