Cyclophosphamide

How do I say this name?

sye-kloe-FOS-fa-mide

What is this medicine used for?

Cyclophosphamide kills cancer cells.

This medicine may be called by the brand names, Cytoxan^® and Neosar^®.

How do I take this medicine?

Cyclophosphamide is taken by mouth or injected into the veins.

Take cyclophosphamide on an empty stomach if you take it by mouth (1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals). You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.

How do I store this medicine?

Store cyclophosphamide tablets in an air-tight container at room temperature. Keep them away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Are there any special things I should do while on this medicine?

Cyclophosphamide can decrease the number of white blood cells in your body, cells that usually help you fight infections. It can also decrease the number of cells in your blood that help your blood clot (platelets) and the number of red blood cells, cells that carry oxygen to your tissues. Without enough red blood cells, the tissues get less oxygen and you could become fatigued. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to reduce your risk of infection, excessive bleeding, or fatigue.

Drink extra fluids while you are taking cyclophosphamide so you will urinate more and your bladder and kidneys will work well. Drink 7-12 cups (3 quarts) of fluid daily.

Empty your bladder frequently during the day and at least once at night. This keeps the medicine from damaging your kidneys and bladder.

Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist right away if you vomit within 1-2 hours of taking cyclophosphamide by mouth.

What if I miss a dose?

Do not take the missed dose if you skip or forget to take a dose by mouth. Stick to your regular schedule and tell your doctor about the missed dose. Do not increase your dose to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects are common with this medicine?

• Increased risk of infection for 7-10 days after therapy
• Reversible bladder irritation
• Reversible hair loss
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Darkening of fingernails or toenails
• Reddening or darkening of skin on soles or palms

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you are worried about a side effect or have questions about your medical care.

Call the doctor at once if you have any of these side effects:

• Skin rash, hives, or itching
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing
• Symptoms of infection:

  Cough, hoarseness, or sore throat

  Fever above 100.5^o Fahrenheit, or chills

  Pain in lower back or side

  Painful or difficult urination

  Urinating more often than normal

• Symptoms of bladder irritation:

  Blood in urine

  Painful or difficult urination

  Urinating more often than normal

Call the doctor as soon as you can if you have any of these side effects:

• Increased thirst
• Irregular or missed menstrual periods (women)

Are there side effects from this medicine after I finish my chemotherapy?

Cyclophosphamide may cause side effects that do not occur for months or years after you finish chemotherapy, including leukemia, bladder cancer, or decreased ability to have children. Discuss these long-term effects with your doctor if you are concerned.

These written patient information materials should be used in conjunction with verbal counseling. They are not intended as the sole source of information patients receive about their chemotherapy and other medications. The adverse effects listed are important and common ones that patients might experience; every possible adverse effect is not included. Long-term adverse effects, like secondary malignancy and infertility, are discussed for those drugs whose risk is well defined.