Ifosfamide can cause serious urinary side effects. You will be given mesna, a medication to prevent urinary side effects, and be required to either drink liquids or receive hydration intravenously. Follow all directions carefully.
Ifosfamide can cause a decrease in the number of blood cells in your bone marrow. Your doctor will order tests before, during, and after your treatment to see if your blood cells are affected by this drug.
Your doctor has ordered the drug ifosfamide to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into a vein.
germ cell testicular cancer
bone and soft tissue sarcomas
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Ifosfamide is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Ifosfamide also is used to treat lung cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
thinned or brittle hair
darkened and thickened skin
fatigue
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
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Drink plenty of fluids. Drink about ten 8-ounce (240-milliliter) glasses of fluid and urinate frequently during the first 24 hours after treatment to keep your kidneys working.
Last Reviewed - 02/01/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.