Ifex

Ifex is used along with other medicines to treat testicular cancer in men.

Ifex is typically given after other treatments have not worked.

Ifex may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not receive Ifex if you have a medical condition that causes urination problems (such as an enlarged prostate).

Ifex affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, including serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, cough, mouth sores, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

Ifex can affect your kidneys or nervous system. Call your doctor right away if you have urination problems, blood in your urine, problems with your hearing or vision, unusual thoughts or behavior, hallucinations, or a seizure.

You should not be treated with Ifex if you are allergic to it, or if you have a medical condition that causes urination problems (such as an enlarged prostate).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• heart disease;
• a bladder infection;
• treatment with busulfan; or
• radiation treatment of your bladder.

Using Ifex may increase your risk of developing other cancers, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about this risk.

Ifex can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.

Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, whether you are a man or a woman. Ifex use by either parent may cause birth defects. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after treatment.

This medication may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman. Some women using Ifex have stopped having periods, or started having symptoms of early menopause.

A woman receiving Ifex should not breast-feed.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

You may get infections more easily, including serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

• fever, chills, flu symptoms;
• mouth and throat sores;
• skin sores, pale skin, cold hands and feet;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• rapid heart rate, shallow breathing; or
• feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects:

• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions);
• little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, blood in your urine;
• loss of bladder control;
• a seizure;
• muscle movements you cannot control;
• problems with your hearing or vision, ringing in your ears;
• sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough;
• dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• a wound that will not heal.

Common side effects of Ifex may include:

• nausea and vomiting;
• confusion, vision problems, thinking problems;
• numbness, tingling, burning pain;
• infections;
• urination problems; or
• hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your doctor will perform blood and urine tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using Ifex.

Ifex is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

If this medicine accidentally gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Ifex is given in a 21-day treatment cycle, but you will receive the medicine only during the first 5 days of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how many cycles you should receive.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Ifex.

Your blood will need to be tested often. Your heart, kidney function, liver function, or nerve and muscle function may also need to be checked. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Ifex can have long lasting effects on your body. You may also need medical tests for a short time after your last dose.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Ifex.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid driving or doing hazardous activities until you know how Ifex will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of ifosfamide, especially nausea and vomiting.

Grapefruit may interact with Ifex and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid grapefruit products.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Ifex, or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of infection.

Using Ifex with other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can lead to dangerous side effects or even death. Ask your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Sometimes, it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or reduce how well the medications work.

Many drugs can affect Ifex. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.