Ifex

The recommended dose of Ifex (Ifosfamide) varies widely according to the specific condition being treated, the response to therapy, and the other medications being used. The dose is based on body weight or body size. It is available as an intravenous (into the vein) injection. It is injected through a specially prepared site on the skin by the nurse or doctor.

The dosing regimen varies widely. Often the prescribed amount of medication is injected into a vein for a period of at least 30 minutes once a day for 5 days. This treatment is then repeated every 3 to 4 weeks until the total treatment cycle is complete.

Very careful handling of Ifex (Ifosfamide) is required. It is always given by the doctor or someone under direct supervision of the doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Ifex (Ifosfamide) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Ifex (Ifosfamide) is excreted through your urine. Your bladder will become irritated if the urine containing Ifex (Ifosfamide) stays inside the bladder for too long. It is therefore important that you drink plenty of fluids (8 to 12 cups a day) on the day of your treatment and the day after your treatment. You should empty your bladder (urinate) every 2 hours while you are awake and at bedtime, and once during the night, for at least 24 hours after your last treatment. This helps to prevent bladder and kidney problems. A medication such as Mesna may also be given to you to help prevent bladder problems.

As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, Ifex (Ifosfamide) can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as hair loss and mouth sores. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section "What side effects are possible with Ifex (Ifosfamide)?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Each vial of sterile powder contains Ifex (Ifosfamide) 1 g and 3 g. Nonmedicinal ingredients: none.

Preparation for I.V. Use: Reconstitute with sterile water for injection.

Do not use Ifex (Ifosfamide) if you:

• are allergic to Ifex (Ifosfamide) or any ingredients of Ifex (Ifosfamide)
• are breast-feeding
• have a condition called advanced cerebral arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries in brain)
• have an active infection
• have an obstruction to the urine flow
• have cystitis
• have low platelet counts
• have severe liver or kidney dysfunction
• have severely low white blood cell counts

There may be an interaction between Ifex (Ifosfamide) and any of the following:

• amphotericin B
• Azathioprine
• barbiturates (e.g., Phenobarbital)
• flucytosine
• Ganciclovir
• interferon
• other cancer drugs
• Phenytoin
• plicamycin
• sedating drugs (e.g., narcotics, sedating antihistamines)
• vaccines
• Warfarin
• zidovudine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Ifex (Ifosfamide). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Ifex (Ifosfamide).

Blood clotting: Ifex (Ifosfamide) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Ifex (Ifosfamide) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people with contagious infections and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills.

Pregnancy: Ifex (Ifosfamide) may be harmful if used during pregnancy. It is best to use birth control while being treated with this drug. If you become pregnant while taking Ifex (Ifosfamide), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Ifex (Ifosfamide) passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while receiving Ifex (Ifosfamide) treatment due to risk of potential harm to the infant.