Health Center

Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley

Chemotherapy Drugs

Cyclophosphamide injection

What does cyclophosphamide injection do?

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE (Cytoxan®, Neosar®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. It also treats a number of kidney

diseases. Cyclophosphamide interferes with the growth of rapidly mutliplying cancer cells. It treats many types of cancer including

cancer of the breast, head and neck, lung, ovaries, and certain cancers of the blood. Generic cyclophosphamide injections are

available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive cyclophosphamide?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

·bleeding problems

·blood disorders

·cystitis

·dehydration

·dental disease

·gout

·infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)

·kidney disease

·recent radiation therapy

·an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclophosphamide, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

·pregnant or trying to get pregnant

·breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Cyclophosphamide is for injection into a vein. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional.

It also may be given by a trained nurse as part of home healthcare services.

(NOTE: An oral solution can be prepared from the powder for injection. Take this solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the

prescription label.)

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Notify your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What other medicines can interact with cyclophosphamide?

·agents that dissolve blood clots

·allopurinol

·barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

·blood thinners

·chloral hydrate

·chloramphenicol

·cimetidine

·cocaine

·hormones such as prednisone or cortisone

·live virus vaccines

·mesna

·phenytoin

·succinylcholine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines,

nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks

with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your

health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving cyclophosphamide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

·dark yellow or brown urine

·blood in the urine

·black tarry stools

·change in eyesight, blurred vision

·confusion, agitation

·difficulty breathing, wheezing

·fever or chills, cough or sore throat

·irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain

·joint or muscle pains

·lower back pain

·mouth or throat sores

·pain or difficulty passing urine

·pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site

·swollen feet or legs

·unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin

·unusual tiredness or weakness

·vomiting

·weight change

·yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are

bothersome):

·discoloration of the skin and nails

·hair loss

·missed menstrual periods

·nausea

·skin rash

·sweating

What do I need to watch for while I receive cyclophosphamide?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side

effects of cyclophosphamide can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly.

Cyclophosphamide may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because cyclophosphamide affects good cells as

well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your

prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.

While you are using cyclophosphamide, you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and

bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio

vaccine.

Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.

Cyclophosphamide can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring

yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth

and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney and bladder problems. Empty your bladder regularly,

especially at night.

Cyclophosphamide can change male sperm or female eggs. Talk to your prescriber or health care professional about how this

medicine can affect your ability to have normal babies.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After preparing injection solution with bacteriostatic water for injection, use within 24 hours if kept at room temperature, or within

six days if refrigerated. Throw away any unused injection solution.

Oral solution (prepared extemporaneously from powder for injection):

Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degreesC (36 and 46 degreesF). Throw away unused portion after fourteen days. Store in

glass container.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you

have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

[ Revised 1/1/95]

This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.