Ifosfamide
Say it: eye-FOSS-fuh-mide · Brand names: Ifex
Ifosfamide is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA inside cancer cells so they cannot grow.
What it is
Your liver changes ifosfamide into its active form. It then links the strands of DNA together. Cancer cells cannot copy themselves and die.
Often used for
- testicular cancer that has come back
- and sometimes other cancers, such as sarcomas and lymphomas
How you get it
Ifosfamide is given through a vein (IV), often over 30 minutes to a few hours, for several days in a row. A cycle is often repeated every 3 weeks. You also get a medicine called mesna to protect your bladder. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Nausea and vomiting. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Hair loss. It usually grows back after treatment ends.
- Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection and bleeding. Wash your hands often.
- Feeling tired. Rest when you need to.
- Feeling sleepy or a little confused. Do not drive until your team says it is safe.
- Poor appetite. Try small meals and snacks.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- Confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not there, strange behavior, extreme sleepiness, or a seizure
- Blood in your urine or pain when you pass urine
- Passing much less urine than usual
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have kidney or liver problems
- If you have had bladder problems or radiation to your pelvis
- If you have heart problems or a seizure disorder
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Ifosfamide can affect the brain and cause confusion or sleepiness. Your team will watch you closely, and family should report any change in thinking.
- It can irritate the bladder and cause bleeding. You get mesna and extra fluids to help protect it.
- It can harm the kidneys. You will have blood and urine tests.
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts.
- It can harm an unborn baby and may affect fertility.
Questions to ask
- How many days in a row will I get this medicine?
- Will I need to stay in the hospital?
- What changes in thinking should my family watch for?
- How much should I drink to protect my bladder?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Low platelets and bleeding
- Sleep problems
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Ifosfamide?
- Ifosfamide is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA inside cancer cells so they cannot grow. Brand names: Ifex.
- What is Ifosfamide used for?
- testicular cancer that has come back; and sometimes other cancers, such as sarcomas and lymphomas.
- How is Ifosfamide given?
- Ifosfamide is given through a vein (IV), often over 30 minutes to a few hours, for several days in a row. A cycle is often repeated every 3 weeks. You also get a medicine called mesna to protect your bladder. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Ifosfamide?
- Nausea and vomiting. Hair loss. Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection and bleeding. Feeling tired. Feeling sleepy or a little confused. Poor appetite.
- When should I call my care team while taking Ifosfamide?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not there, strange behavior, extreme sleepiness, or a seizure; Blood in your urine or pain when you pass urine; Passing much less urine than usual; Shortness of breath or chest pain; Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Ifosfamide?
- AIM, RICE, VAC/IE, VIP.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.