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Ifosfamide
Ifosfamide is prescribed to treat testicular cancer after other treatments have not been successful. This chemotherapy drug works by preventing cancer cells from growing and multiplying, which causes them to die. Ifosfamide is given intravenously once a day for five days every three weeks. Side effects are common and may include nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.
What Is Ifosfamide?
Ifosfamide (Ifex®) is a prescription medication approved for use in combination with other medicines to treat testicular cancer (cancer of the testicles). It is used when other treatments have failed. Ifosfamide belongs to a group of medicines known as alkylating agents.(Click What Is Ifosfamide Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Are There Side Effects?
Just like any chemotherapy medicine, ifosfamide can cause side effects, some of which can be significant and potentially serious. In fact, most people will experience some type of side effect during treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to prevent or lessen reactions to this drug.Common side effects of ifosfamide include but are not limited to:
- Hair loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased white blood cell counts
- Anemia.
(Click Ifosfamide Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD