Drug interactions
Busulfan + Ifosfamide
Severity: Major
Busulfan and Ifosfamide: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both agents cause bone marrow suppression and immunosuppression, so combined use increases the risk of severe cytopenias and infection. Busulfan may also add to the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis associated with ifosfamide.
What this interaction means in plain words
Busulfan and Ifosfamide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Busulfan belongs to Oncology; Ifosfamide belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppression and overlapping urotoxicity of alkylating agents.
What to do
Monitor blood counts closely and use standard hydration and mesna prophylaxis with urinalysis surveillance. Adjust doses based on hematologic recovery.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Ifosfamide
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Ifosfamide Contraindicated
- Ifosfamide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Ifosfamide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Ifosfamide + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Ifosfamide + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Ifosfamide + Rotavirus oral vaccine live Contraindicated
Other interactions of Busulfan
- Busulfan + Carboplatin Major
- Busulfan + Chlorambucil Major
- Busulfan + Cyclophosphamide Major
- Busulfan + Fingolimod Major
- Busulfan + Hydroxyurea Major
- Busulfan + Itraconazole Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Busulfan with Ifosfamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Busulfan and Ifosfamide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both agents cause bone marrow suppression and immunosuppression, so combined use increases the risk of severe cytopenias and infection. Busulfan may also add to the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis associated with ifosfamide.
How serious is the interaction between Busulfan and Ifosfamide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood counts closely and use standard hydration and mesna prophylaxis with urinalysis surveillance. Adjust doses based on hematologic recovery.
What other medicines interact with Ifosfamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ifosfamide with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live. The full list is on the Ifosfamide page.
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