Ifosfamide
About
Ifosfamide belongs to a group of medications called ‘anti-neoplastic'. It is used in the treatment of blood cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries), testicular cancer (cancer occurs in the testicles (testes), (which are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis), and pancreatic cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the pancreas). Blood cancer begins in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow or the immune system's cells. Examples of blood cancer are leukemia ( a blood cancer caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in your body), lymphoma (cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes), and multiple myeloma (cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell).
Ifosfamide contains ‘ifosfamide’, which is an anti-cancer drug. Ifosfamide works by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells. This stops their growth and multiplication.
Ifosfamide will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, anemia (low number of red blood cells), hair loss, decreased white blood cell count, infection, blood in urine, CNS toxicity. Most of these side effects of Ifosfamide do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Ifosfamide if you are allergic to any other ingredients present in it. Do not self-administer Ifosfamide. Before taking Ifosfamide, talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, heart diseases, liver diseases, bone marrow suppression, cystitis, CNS toxicity. Ifosfamide is not recommended during pregnancy as it may affect the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Ifosfamide. It is not recommended for use in children under 1 year of age.
Uses of Ifosfamide
Medicinal Benefits
Ifosfamide contains ‘ifosfamide’, which is an anti-cancer drug. It is used to treat blood cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Ifosfamide works by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells. This stops their growth and multiplication.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ifosfamide
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
- Hair loss
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Infection
- Blood in urine
- CNS toxicity
- Dehydration
- Dry mouth/increased thirst
- Pale/wrinkled skin
- Temporary hair loss
- Trouble breathing
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Ifosfamide if you are allergic to any other ingredients present in it. Do not self-administer Ifosfamide. Before taking Ifosfamide, talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, heart diseases, liver diseases, cystitis, CNS toxicity. Ifosfamide is not recommended during pregnancy as it may affect the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Ifosfamide. It is not recommended for use in children under 1 year of age. Ifosfamide should be used with caution in infections. Because the chances of infections are more in patients receiving this medicine. Hold the chemotherapy and start with broad-spectrum antibiotics if there are any signs and symptoms of fever. Close monitoring of the body temperature and the blood cell count is necessary. Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while receiving this Ifosfamide as it may increase the risk of adverse effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, abnormal muscle movements, seizures. Ifosfamide may cause bone marrow suppression, which lowers the white blood cell count (neutrophils) and platelets. Close monitoring of blood cell count is necessary.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ifosfamide may interact with live attenuated vaccines, TNF- blockers (etanercept, adalimumab), antifungal (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole); antiepileptic ( carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital), antihypertensive (diltiazem, enalapril), antibiotic (amphotericin-B, rifampin), antipsychotics (clozapine), anti-metabolites (cisplatin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Ifosfamide may interact with grapefruit, st. John's wort and alcohol increase the risk of side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Ifosfamide should be used with caution in patients with heart diseases, liver diseases, kidney diseases, bone marrow suppression, CNS toxicity, cystitis, and infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol is not recommended while receiving this Ifosfamide as it may increase the risk of adverse effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, abnormal muscle movements, seizures.
Pregnancy
unsafeIfosfamide is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this Ifosfamide.
Breast Feeding
cautionIfosfamide is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding for a specific period of time or prescribe an alternative medicine based on your clinical condition.
Driving
cautionUse of this Ifosfamide may cause blurred vision or dizziness in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this Ifosfamide.
Liver
cautionIfosfamide should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. A dose adjustment of Ifosfamide may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
cautionIfosfamide should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. A dose adjustment of Ifosfamide may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Children
cautionIfosfamide is not recommended for use in patients below 18 years of age unless prescribed by your physician. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. In such a case, the patient should be monitored closely for any adverse effects.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a variety of protein-rich foods that are low in fat. Include seafood, lean meat and poultry, greek yoghurts, eggs, beans, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds.
- Take vitamin A foods, found in green- or orange-coloured fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, and apricots.
- Stay away from strong-smelling foods to avoid aggravating any disorders of taste.
- Avoid fatty fried, spicy, and overly sweet foods, as they may induce nausea.
- Avoid refined sugars (including raw, brown, and palm sugar) and refined carbohydrates, as most tumours prefer glucose as an energy source.
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Quit smoking.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of kidney, liver function, and levels of blood cells in your blood.
- Drink plenty of fluids while taking this Ifosfamide to minimize damage to your bladder and kidneys.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Blood cancer: Blood cancer begins in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow or the immune system's cells. Examples of blood cancer are leukemia ( a blood cancer caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in your body), lymphoma (cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes), and multiple myeloma (cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell). Symptoms include fever, chills., fatigue, weakness, bone and joint pain, weight loss.
Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply out of control and form a tumor. If left untreated, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastatic ovarian cancer. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, pressure, pain, abnormal fullness after eating, difficulty eating, increased urination, and an increased urge to urinate.
Breast cancer: Cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer can occur in women and rarely in men. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple, and changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast.
Testicular cancer: Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles (testes), located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. Symptoms include a painless lump or swelling on either testicle, pain, discomfort, numbness in a testicle or the scrotum, change in the way a testicle feels, or a feeling of heaviness the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin. Sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum.
Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer begins in your pancreas tissues — an organ in your abdomen that lies behind the lower part of your stomach. Your pancreas releases enzymes that aid digestion and produce hormones that help manage your blood sugar. Symptoms include abdominal pain that radiates to your back, loss of appetite or unintended weight loss, yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice), light-colored stools, dark-colored urine, itchy skin.
Non-small cell lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lung tissues. There are several types of non-small cell lung cancer. Smoking is the major risk factor for non-small cell lung cancer. Symptoms include a cough that won't go away, shortness of breath, weight loss, or coughing up blood.
FAQs
Ifosfamide contains ‘ifosfamide’, which is an anti-cancer drug. Ifosfamide works by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells. This stops their growth and multiplication.
Ifosfamide causes common side effects like nausea, vomiting, anemia (low number of red blood cells), hair loss, decreased white blood cell count, infection, blood in urine, CNS toxicity. Most of these side effects of Ifosfamide do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Ifosfamide is available in the form of injection. Ifosfamide should be taken as advised by your doctor. Kindly do not self-administer. Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine.
Yes, Ifosfamide used in combination with other chemotherapy medicines, radiotherapy, and surgery to treat cancer of blood, breast, lung, ovaries, pancreas, testes, and lymph nodes.
Ifosfamide may increase the risk of toxic effects on the heart and could lead to congestive heart failure. So Ifosfamide should be taken as advised by your doctor.
