Ifosfamide

Ifosfamide also marketed as Ifex) is a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent used in the treatment of cancer. It is sometimes abbreviated as "IFO".

It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.

Medical uses

It is given as a treatment for a variety of cancers, including:

Administration

It is a white powder which, when prepared for use in chemotherapy, becomes a clear, colorless fluid. The delivery is intravenous.

Ifosfamide is often used in conjunction with mesna to avoid internal bleeding in the patient, in particular hemorrhagic cystitis.

Ifosfamide is given quickly, and in some cases can be given as quickly as an hour.

Side effects