Ifosfamide

What it is used for

Ifosfamide Injection is indicated for use in combination with certain other approved antineoplastic agentsfor third-line chemotherapy of germ cell testicular cancer. It should be used in combination with mesna for prophylaxis of hemorrhagic cystitis.

Side effects, and when to stop

Because clinical trials are conducted from widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The adverse reactions and frequencies below are based on 30 publications describing clinical experience with fractionated administration of ifosfamide as monotherapy with a total dose of 4 to 12 g/m 2 per course.

1 The following adverse reaction terms have been reported for leukopenia: neutropenia, granulocytopenia, lymphopenia, and pancytopenia. For neutropenic fever, see below.

2 Thrombocytopenia may also be complicated by bleeding. Bleeding with fatal outcome has been reported.

3 Includes cases reported as anemia and decrease in hemoglobin/hematocrit.

4 Encephalopathy with coma and death has been reported.

5 Central nervous system toxicity was reported to be manifested by the following signs and symptoms: Abnormal behavior, Affect lability Aggression, Agitation, Anxiety, Aphasia, Asthenia, Ataxia, Cerebellar syndrome, Cerebral function defi ciency, Cognitive disorder, Coma, Confusional state, Convulsions, Cranial nerve dysfunction, Depressed state of consciousness, Depression, Disorientation, Dizziness, Electroencephalogram abnormal, Encephalopathy, Flat affect. Hallucinations, Headache, Ideation, Lethargy, Memory impairment, Mood change, Motor dysfunction, Muscle spasms, Myoclonus, Progressive loss of brainstem reflexes, Psychotic reaction, Restlessness, Somnolence, Tremor, Urinary incontinence.

6 Cardiotoxicity was reported as congestive heart failure, tachycardia, pulmonary edema. Fatal outcome has been reported.

7 Hypotension leading to shock and fatal outcome has been reported.

8 Hepatotoxicity was reported as increases in liver enzymes, i.e., serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, increased bilirubin, jaundice, hepatorenal syndrome.

9 Reported symptoms of hemorrhagic cystitis included dysuria and pollakiuria. See also Post-marketing Adverse Reactions.

10 Renal dysfunction was reported to be manifested as: Renal failure (including acute renal failure, irreversible renal failure; fatal outcomes have been reported), Serum creatinine increased, BUN increased, Creatinine clearance decreased, Metabolic acidosis, Anuria, Oliguria, Glycosuria, Hyponatremia, Uremia, Creatinine clearance increased. Renal structural damage was reported to be manifested as: Acute tubular necrosis, renal parenchymal damage, Enzymuria, Cylindruria, Proteinuria.

11 Includes cases reported as phlebitis and irritation of the venous walls.

12 Includes cases reported as granulocytopenic fever.

Who should not take it

Ifosfamide is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to administration of ifosfamide.

• Urinary outflow obstruction.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Ifosfamide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Fetal growth retardation and neonatal anemia have been reported following exposure to ifosfamide-containing chemotherapy regimens during pregnancy. Ifosfamide is genotoxic and mutagenic in male and female germ cells. Embryotoxic and teratogenic effects have been observed in mice, rats and rabbits at doses 0.05 to 0.075 times the human dose.

Women should not become pregnant and men should not father a child during therapy with ifosfamide. Further, men should not father a child for up to 6 months after the end of therapy. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug or after treatment, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus.

Ifosfamide is excreted in breast milk. Women must not breastfeed during treatment with ifosfamide.

Other medicines and interactions

Ifosfamide is a substrate for both CYP3A4 and CYP2B6.

2 dosage and administration

Ifosfamide Injection should be administered intravenously at a dose of 1.2 grams per m 2 per day for 5 consecutive days. Treatment is repeated every 3 weeks or after recovery from hematologic toxicity.

In order to prevent bladder toxicity, ifosfamide injection should be given with extensive hydration consisting of at least 2 liters of oral or intravenous fluid per day. Mesna should be used to reduce the incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis. Ifosfamide injection should be administered as a slow intravenous infusion lasting a minimum of 30 minutes. Studies of ifosfamide injection in patients with hepatic or renal impairment have not been conducted.

Preparation for Intravenous Administration/Stability

Solutions of ifosfamide injection may be diluted further to achieve concentrations of 0.6 to 20 mg/mL in the following fluids:

5% Dextrose Injection

0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection

Lactated Ringer’s Injections

Sterile Water for Injection

Because essentially identical stability results were obtained for Sterile Water admixtures as for the other admixtures (5% Dextrose Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, and Lactated Ringer’s Injection), the use of large volume parenteral glass bottles, Viaflex bags or PAB™ bags that contain intermediate concentrations or mixtures of excipients (e.g., 2.5% Dextrose Injection, 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, or 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection) is also acceptable.

Further diluted solutions of ifosfamide injection should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Benzyl alcohol-containing solutions can reduce the stability of ifosfamide injection.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

5.1 Myelosuppression, Immunosuppression, and Infections

Treatment with ifosfamide may cause myelosuppression and significant suppression of immune responses, which can lead to severe infections. Fatal outcomes of ifosfamide-associated myelosuppression have been reported. Ifosfamide-induced myelosuppression can cause leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia (associated with a higher risk of bleeding events), and anemia. The nadir of the leukocyte count tends to be reached approximately during the second week after administration. When ifosfamide is given in combination with other chemotherapeutic/hematotoxic agents and/or radiation therapy, severe myelosuppression is frequently observed. The risk of myelosuppression is dose-dependent and is increased with administration of a single high dose compared with fractionated administration. The risk of myelosuppression is also increased in patients with reduced renal function.

Severe immunosuppression has led to serious, sometimes fatal, infections. Sepsis and septic shock also have been reported. Infections reported with ifosfamide include pneumonias, as well as other bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections. Latent infections can be reactivated. In patients treated with ifosfamide, reactivation has been reported for various viral infections. Infections must be treated appropriately. Antimicrobial prophylaxis may be indicated in certain cases of neutropenia at the discretion of the managing physician. In case of neutropenic fever, antibiotics and/or antimycotics must be given. Close hematologic monitoring is recommended. White blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count and hemoglobin should be obtained prior to each administration and at appropriate intervals after administration. Unless clinically essential, ifosfamide should not be given to patients with a WBC count below 2000/μL and/or a platelet count below 50,000/μL.

Ifosfamide should be given cautiously, if at all, to patients with presence of an infection, severe immunosuppression or compromised bone marrow reserve, as indicated by leukopenia, granulocytopenia, extensive bone marrow metastases, prior radiation therapy, or prior therapy with other cytotoxic agents.

5.2 Central Nervous System Toxicity, Neurotoxicity

Administration of ifosfamide can cause CNS toxicity and other neurotoxic effects. The risk of CNS toxicity and other neurotoxic effects necessitates careful monitoring of the patient. Neurologic manifestations consisting of somnolence, confusion, hallucinations, blurred vision, psychotic behavior, extrapyramidal symptoms, urinary incontinence, seizures, and in some instances, coma, have been reported following ifosfamide therapy. There have also been reports of peripheral neuropathy associated with ifosfamide use.

Ifosfamide neurotoxicity may manifest within a few hours to a few days after fi rst administration and in most cases resolves within 48 to 72 hours of ifosfamide discontinuation. Symptoms may persist for longer periods of time. Supportive therapy should be maintained until their complete resolution. Occasionally, recovery has been incomplete. Fatal outcomes of CNS toxicity have been reported. Recurrence of CNS toxicity after several uneventful treatment courses has been reported. If encephalopathy develops, administration of ifosfamide should be discontinued.

Due to the potential for additive effects, drugs acting on the CNS (such as antiemetics, sedatives, narcotics, or antihistamines) must be used with particular caution or, if necessary, be discontinued in case of ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy.

Manifestations of CNS toxicity may impair a patient’s ability to operate an automobile or other heavy machinery.

5.3 Renal and Urothelial Toxicity and Effects

Ifosfamide is both nephrotoxic and urotoxic. Glomerular and tubular kidney function must be evaluated before commencement of therapy as well as during and after treatment. Monitor urinary sediment regularly for the presence of erythrocytes and other signs of uro/nephrotoxicity. Monitor serum and urine chemistries, including phosphorus and potassium regularly. Administer appropriate replacement therapy as indicated. Renal parenchymal and tubular necrosis have been reported in patients treated with ifosfamide. Acute tubular necrosis, acute renal failure, and chronic renal failure secondary to ifosfamide therapy have been reported, and fatal outcome from nephrotoxicity has been documented.

Disorders of renal function, (glomerular and tubular) following ifosfamide administration are very common. Manifestations include a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, increased serum creatinine, proteinuria, enzymuria, cylindruria, aminoaciduria, phosphaturia, and glycosuria as well as tubular acidosis. Fanconi syndrome, renal rickets, and growth retardation in children as well as osteomalacia in adults also have been reported. Development of a syndrome resembling SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion) has been reported with ifosfamide.

Tubular damage may become apparent during therapy, months or even years after cessation of treatment. Glomerular or tubular dysfunction may resolve with time, remain stable, or progress over a period of months or years, even after completion of ifosfamide treatment.

The risk and expected benefits of ifosfamide therapy should be carefully weighed when considering the use of ifosfamide in patients with preexisting renal impairment or reduced nephron reserve.

Urotoxic side effects, especially hemorrhagic cystitis, have been very commonly associated with the use of ifosfamide. These urotoxic effects can be reduced by prophylactic use of mesna.

Hemorrhagic cystitis requiring blood transfusion has been reported with ifosfamide. The risk of hemorrhagic cystitis is dose-dependent and increased with administration of single high doses compared to fractionated administration. Hemorrhagic cystitis after a single dose of ifosfamide has been reported. Past or concomitant radiation of the bladder or busulfan treatment may increase the risk for hemorrhagic cystitis.

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to exclude or correct any urinary tract obstructions.

During or immediately after administration, adequate amounts of fluid should be ingested or infused to force dieresis in order to reduce the risk of urinary tract toxicity. Obtain a urinalysis prior to each dose of ifosfamide. If microscopic hematuria (greater than 10 RBCs per high power field) is present, then subsequent administration should be withheld until complete resolution. Further administration of ifosfamide should be given with vigorous oral or parenteral hydration.

Ifosfamide should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active urinary tract infections.

5.4 Cardiotoxicity

Manifestations of cardiotoxicity reported with ifosfamide treatment include:

Supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias, including atrial/supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia

Decreased QRS voltage and ST-segment or T-wave changes

Toxic cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure with congestion and hypotension

Pericardial effusion, fibrinous pericarditis, and epicardial fibrosis

Fatal outcome of ifosfamide-associated cardiotoxicity has been reported.

The risk of developing cardiotoxic effects is dose-dependent. It is increased in patients with prior or concomitant treatment with other cardiotoxic agents or radiation of the cardiac region and, possibly, renal impairment.

Particular caution should be exercised when ifosfamide is used in patients with risk factors for cardiotoxicity and in patients with preexisting cardiac disease.

5.5 Pulmonary Toxicity

Interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and other forms of pulmonary toxicity have been reported with ifosfamide treatment. Pulmonary toxicity leading to respiratory failure as well as fatal outcome has also been reported. Monitor for signs and symptoms of pulmonary toxicity and treat as clinically indicated.

5.6 Secondary Malignancies

Treatment with ifosfamide involves the risk of secondary tumors and their precursors as late sequelae. The risk of myelodysplastic alterations, some progressing to acute leukemias, is increased. Other malignancies reported after use of ifosfamide or regimens with ifosfamide include lymphoma, thyroid cancer, and sarcomas.

The secondary malignancy may develop several years after chemotherapy has been discontinued.

5.7 Veno-occlusive Liver Disease

Veno-occlusive liver disease has been reported with chemotherapy that included ifosfamide.

5.9 Effects on Fertility

Ifosfamide interferes with oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Amenorrhea, azoospermia, and sterility in both sexes have been reported. Development of sterility appears to depend on the dose of ifosfamide, duration of therapy, and state of gonadal function at the time of treatment. Sterility may be irreversible in some patients.

Female Patients

Amenorrhea has been reported in patients treated with ifosfamide. The risk of permanent chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea increases with age. Pediatric patients treated with ifosfamide during prepubescence subsequently may not conceive and those who retain ovarian function after completing treatment are at increased risk of developing premature menopause.

Male Patients

Men treated with ifosfamide may develop oligospermia or azoospermia. Pediatric patients treated with ifosfamide during prepubescence might not develop secondary sexual characteristics normally, but may have oligospermia or azoospermia. Azoospermia may be reversible in some patients, though the reversibility may not occur for several years after cessation of therapy. Sexual function and libido are generally unimpaired in these patients. Some degree of testicular atrophy may occur. Patients treated with ifosfamide have subsequently fathered children.

5.10 Anaphylactic/Anaphylactoid Reactions and Cross-sensitivity

Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in association with ifosfamide. Cross-sensitivity between oxazaphosphorine cytotoxic agents has been reported.

5.11 Impairment of Wound Healing

Ifosfamide may interfere with normal wound healing.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Ifosfamide injection. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

INFECTIONS AND INFESTATIONS:

The following manifestations have been associated with myelosuppression and immunosuppression caused by ifosfamide: increased risk for and severity of infections†, pneumonias†, sepsis and septic shock (including fatal outcomes), as well as reactivation of latent infections, including viral hepatitis†, Pneumocystis jiroveci †, herpes zoster, Strongyloides, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy†, and other viral and fungal infections.

† Severe immunosuppression has led to serious, sometimes fatal, infections.

NEOPLASMS, BENIGN AND MALIGNANT AND UNSPECIFIED (INCL. CYSTS AND POLYPS):

As treatment-related secondary malignancy*, Acute leukemia* (Acute myeloid leukemia)*, Acute promyelocytic leukemia*, Acute lymphocytic leukemia*, Myelodysplastic syndrome, Lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), Sarcomas*, Renal cell carcinoma, Thyroid cancer

BLOOD AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DISORDERS:

Hematotoxicity*, Myelosuppression manifested as Bone marrow failure, Agranulocytosis; Febrile bone marrow aplasia; Disseminated intravascular coagulation, Hemolytic uremic syndrome, Hemolytic anemia, Neonatal anemia, Methemoglobinemia

IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS:

Angioedema*, Anaphylactic reaction, Immunosuppression, Urticaria, Hypersensitivity reaction

ENDOCRINE DISORDERS:

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS:

Tumor lysis syndrome, Metabolic acidosis, Hypokalemia, Hypocalcemia, Hypophosphatemia, Hyperglycemia, Polydipsia

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS:

Panic attack, Catatonia, Mania, Paranoia, Delusion, Delirium, Bradyphrenia, Mutism, Mental status change, Echolalia, Logorrhea, Perseveration, Amnesia

NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS:

Convulsion*, Status epilepticus (convulsive and nonconvulsive), reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, Leukoencephalopathy, Extrapyramidal disorder, Asterixis, Movement disorder, Polyneuropathy, Dysesthesia, Hypothesia, Paresthesia, Neuralgia, Gait disturbance, Fecal incontinence, Dysarthria

Ifosfamide has been reintroduced after neurotoxicity. While some patients did not experience neurotoxicity, others had recurrent, including fatal, events.

EYE DISORDERS:

Visual impairment, Vision blurred, Conjunctivitis, Eye irritation

EAR AND LABYRINTH DISORDERS:

Deafness, Hypoacusis, Vertigo, Tinnitus

CARDIAC DISORDERS:

Cardiotoxicity*, Cardiac arrest*, Ventricular fi brillation*, Ventricular tachycardia*, Cardiogenic shock*, Myocardial infarction*, Cardiac failure*, Bundle branch block left, Bundle branch block right, Pericardial effusion, Myocardial hemorrhage, Angina pectoris, Left ventricular failure, Cardiomyopathy*, Congestive cardiomyopathy, Myocarditis*, Arrhythmia*, Pericarditis, Atrial fi brillation, Atrial fl utter, Bradycardia, Supraventricular extrasystoles, Premature atrial contractions, Ventricular extrasystoles, Myocardial depression, Palpitations, Ejection fraction decreased*, Electrocardiogram ST-segment abnormal, Electrocardiogram T-wave inversion, Electrocardiogram QRS complex abnormal

VASCULAR DISORDERS:

Pulmonary embolism, Deep vein thrombosis, Capillary leak syndrome, Vasculitis, Hypertension, Flushing, Blood pressure decreased

RESPIRATORY, THORACIC, AND MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS:

Respiratory failure*, Acute respiratory distress syndrome*, Pulmonary hypertension*, Interstitial lung disease* as manifested by Pulmonary fi brosis*, Alveolitis allergic, Interstitial pneumonitis, Pneumonitis*, Pulmonary edema*, Pleural effusion, Bronchospasm, Dyspnea, Hypoxia, Cough

GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS:

Cecitis, Colitis, Enterocolitis, Pancreatitis, Ileus, Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Mucosal ulceration, Constipation, Abdominal pain, Salivary hypersecretion

HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS:

Hepatic failure*, Hepatitis fulminant*, Veno-occlusive liver disease, Portal vein thrombosis, Cytolytic hepatitis, Cholestasis

SKIN AND SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE DISORDERS:

Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, Radiation recall dermatitis, Skin necrosis, Facial swelling, Petechiae, Macular rash, Rash, Pruritus, Erythema, Skin hyperpigmentation, Hyperhidrosis, nail disorder

MUSCULOSKELETAL AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDER:

Rhabdomyolysis, Osteomalacia, Rickets, Growth retardation, Myalgia, Arthralgia, Pain in extremity, Muscle twitching

RENAL AND URINARY DISORDERS:

Fanconi syndrome, Tubulointerstitial nephritis, Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, Phosphaturia, Aminoaciduria, Polyuria, Enuresis, Feeling of residual urine Fatal outcomes from acute and chronic renal failure have been documented.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM AND BREAST DISORDERS:

Infertility, Ovarian failure, Premature menopause, Amenorrhea, Ovarian disorder, Ovulation disorder, Azoospermia, Oligospermia, Impairment of spermatogenesis, Blood estrogen decreased, Blood gonadotrophin increased

CONGENITAL, FAMILIAL AND GENETIC DISORDERS:

Fetal growth retardation

GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SITE CONDITIONS:

Multi-organ failure*, General physical deterioration, Injection/Infusion site reactions including swelling, infl ammation, pain, erythema, tenderness, pruritus; Chest pain, Edema, Mucosal infl ammation, Pain, Pyrexia, Chills

* Including fatal outcomes

7.1 Inducers of CYP3A4

CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin, St. John Wort) may increase the metabolism of ifosfamide to its active alkylating metabolites. CYP3A4 inducers may increase the formation of the neurotoxic/nephrotoxic ifosfamide metabolite, chloroacetaldehyde. Closely monitor patients taking ifosfamide with CYP3A4 inducers for toxicities and consider dose adjustment.

7.2 Inhibitors of CYP3A4

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, sorafenib, aprepitant, fosaprepitant, grapefruit, grapefruit juice) may decrease the metabolism of ifosfamide to its active alkylating metabolites, perhaps decreasing the effectiveness of ifosfamide treatment.