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CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE (Cytoxan®) 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 tablets are available.
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
Take cyclophosphamide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water.
Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your
doctor or health care professional, even if the tablets make you feel unwell. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
If you miss a dose do not take that dose, or double the next dose. Continue with your regular schedule. If you vomit after taking a
dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
·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.
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
·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
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 taking 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.
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Brief exposure up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) will be tolerated.
Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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 4/24/00]
This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.