💊 DESCRIPTION
Ifosfamide is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug classified as an alkylating agent. It is supplied as a sterile lyophilized powder in a vial and must be reconstituted and diluted for intravenous (IV) infusion.
- Form: Powder for Injection
- Strength: 2000 mg per vial
- Route: Intravenous infusion
- Drug Class: Nitrogen mustard derivative (alkylating agent)
- Indications:
- Testicular cancer (often in combination therapy)
- Sarcomas (soft tissue and osteogenic)
- Lymphomas
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical and lung cancers
- Off-label in certain resistant tumors
✅ ADVANTAGES
- Effective against a wide range of solid and hematologic tumors
- Used in high-dose regimens with stem cell rescue
- Compatible with multiple chemotherapeutic agents for combination regimens
- Ability to overcome resistance in certain cancers
- Provides better tumor penetration due to lipophilic properties
🌿 NATURE
- Mechanism of Action:
- Ifosfamide is metabolized by the liver into active compounds (e.g., isophosphoramide mustard)
- These create DNA cross-links, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
- It is non–cell-cycle-specific, acting on both dividing and non-dividing cells
- Closely related to: Cyclophosphamide, but requires higher doses for effect
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Bone Marrow Suppression: Common; monitor CBC regularly
- Hemorrhagic Cystitis: Caused by acrolein – always administer mesna and hydration
- Neurotoxicity: May cause encephalopathy (confusion, hallucinations, somnolence)
- Nephrotoxicity: Monitor kidney function (especially in pediatric patients)
- Hepatotoxicity: Rare; monitor liver function tests
- Nausea/Vomiting: High emetogenic potential – premedicate with antiemetics
- Fertility Risks: May cause infertility in both genders
- Pregnancy Category D: Teratogenic – contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Secondary Cancers: Risk increases with long-term use
🧊 STORAGE
- Before Reconstitution:
- Store below 25°C (77°F)
- Keep in original packaging, protected from light
- After Reconstitution:
- Reconstituted solution must be used promptly
- If diluted, may be stored up to 24 hours at 2–8°C
- Do not freeze
- Handle using cytotoxic precautions
👨⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Drink plenty of fluids during and after therapy
- You will receive mesna to protect your bladder and reduce side effects
- Report immediately: blood in urine, confusion, excessive drowsiness, fever, mouth sores
- Avoid pregnancy during and for several months after treatment
- Hair loss, nausea, fatigue are common and usually temporary
- Attend all scheduled blood tests to monitor for low blood counts and organ effects
- Practice good hygiene to avoid infections due to lowered immunity
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you’re taking
📦 PACKAGING
- Primary Packaging:
- Sterile Type I clear glass vial
- Contains 2000 mg lyophilized powder
- Sealed with rubber stopper and aluminum/plastic flip-off cap
- Label Includes:
- Drug name, strength (2000 mg), batch number, expiry, storage details
- Secondary Packaging:
- Individual box with product insert
- Clearly labeled “Cytotoxic – Handle with care”