Mitoxana

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How does it work?

Ifosfamide is one of a group of anti-cancer medicines called 'alkylating agents'. Cancers form when some cells within the body multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. These cells then spread and destroy nearby tissues. Ifosfamide acts by slowing this process down. It kills cancer cells by damaging the DNA (the genetic material inside the cells) and stops them from dividing. Ifosfamide is used in the treatment of a wide variety of cancers including cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma) and blood cells (leukaemias). It may either be used alone or in combination with other anti-cancer medicines, radiotherapy or surgery. Unfortunately, ifosfamide also affects normal, healthy cells and therefore it produces serious side-effects during long-term treatment. The most important side effect is in the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Regular blood tests may therefore be needed to prevent the damage becoming permanent. Ifosfamide is usually given as a slow infusion in to the veins (intravenously). A medicine called Mesna is also given to reduce the adverse effects of ifosfamide on the bladder (urinary tract). Adequate fluid intake is also necessary to reduce the severity of adverse effects of ifosfamide on the bladder.

What is it used for?

- Cancer of the lymph nodes
- Other cancers

Warning!

- For use only under specialist medical supervision
- Women who are pregnant should not handle this medicine.
- Handle this medicine with care; avoid direct contact with bare skin

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Low white blood cell count (leucopenia)
- People with decreased defences against disease or infection (impaired immune response) due to disease or treatment
- Reduced platelet count in the blood

Not to be used in

- Infection
- Inflammation of the bladder causing damage and bleeding, often as a result of certain anti-cancer treatments
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
- Severely decreased kidney function
- Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- High blood uric acid level (hyperuricaemia) which can cause kidney problems and gout
- Decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow (bone marrow suppression)
- Kidney damage
- Inflammation of the bladder causing bleeding (haemorrhagic cystitis)
- Hair loss (alopecia) with long term use of medication
- Nausea and vomiting

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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