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Ifex
As a type of chemotherapy medicine, Ifex is prescribed to treat testicular cancer that has not adequately responded to other treatments. It works by interfering with the way cancer cells grow and multiply. Side effects may include hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. This medication is administered intravenously by your healthcare provider typically once a day for five days every three weeks.
from eMedTV.comWhat Is Ifex?
Ifex® (ifosfamide) 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. Ifex belongs to a group of medicines known as alkylating agents.How Does Ifex Work?
As mentioned, Ifex is part of a group of medications called alkylating agents. The medication itself is not active against cancer; however, once it enters the body, the liver converts it into active compounds. These active compounds cause strands of DNA to bond to each other and become linked (this is known as "cross-linking"). The linked strands are unable to uncoil and separate, which is necessary for the DNA to replicate. Because DNA replication is essential for cells to grow and multiply, Ifex prevents cell growth and multiplication and causes the cells to die.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD