ifosfamide

Hair thinning or loss 

• Use a gentle soft brush; care should be taken with hair sprays, bleaches, dyes and perms.
• Your hair usually grows back after your treatment ends, but the texture or colour may change.

Nausea and vomiting

• May occur in hours to days after the dose is given/ after treatment starts.
• Drink clear fluids and avoid large meals. Get fresh air and rest.
• Limit spicy, fried foods or foods with a strong smell.
• Take anti-nausea drug(s) exactly as directed by your doctor. It is easier to prevent nausea than to treat it.
• Contact your doctor if nausea lasts more than 48 hours or vomiting for more than 24 hours.
• Also see Nausea & Vomiting pamphlet.*

Effects on the brain
(severe headache, loss of consciousness, seizures, confusion, hallucinations)

Kidney problems
(lower back pain, body swelling, passing little or no urine, or recent unusual weight gain)

Bladder problems (bladder pain, burning or pain when passing urine, red-tinged urine (blood))
• Also look for passing little or no urine, or recent unusual weight gain
• It is important to drink extra fluids to help prevent kidney and bladder problems. Discuss with your doctor. Empty your bladder often.
• You will be given another medication (mesna) to help prevent serious bladder problems.

Unusual bleeding or bruising

You may have black stools, cough up blood, blood in your urine, purple or red dots on your skin or bleeding that will not stop. 

Fever, chills, infection

You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:

• 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher at any time OR
• 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher for at least one hour.

While you are getting chemotherapy treatments:

• Keep a digital thermometer at home and take your temperature if you feel hot or unwell (for example, chills).
• Avoid taking medications that treat a fever before you take your temperature (for example, Tylenol®, acetaminophen, Advil® or ibuprofen) as they may hide a fever.
• Do not eat or drink anything hot or cold right before taking your temperature.
• Wash your hands often.
• Check with your doctor before getting any vaccines, surgeries or visiting your dentist.

If you have a fever, talk to your health care team or go to the closest emergency room. 
See our Neutropenia (Low white blood cell count) pamphlet for more information.

Abnormal liver lab tests

• Your doctor will monitor these regularly.  Call your doctor if you have yellowish skin or eyes, or unusual dark urine.

Heart problems
(irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, swelling in legs/ankles/belly, shortness of breath)

Severe rash
• may occur on the body/limbs with blistering or peeling of skin

Bleeding/clotting disorder
(may include bleeding from more than 1 site, bruising, signs of blood clots, kidney/liver/lung problems, fever, confusion)

Rapid breakdown of red blood cells
(yellowing of the skin or eyes and/or red-brown urine)

Allergic reaction (fever, severe rash, itchiness, swollen face, lip or tongue, chest or throat tightness; may occur during or shortly after the drug is given)

Pancreas problems
(increased pain in centre of belly and may extend to the back, appetite or weight loss)

Lung problems
(increased cough, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood)

Breakdown of muscle cells, may lead to kidney problems
(severe muscle pain or weakness, dark urine)

Low measured salt levels in your blood which may lead to mild confusion or swelling