Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is prescribed for various types of cancers and kidney disease in children.
How should it be used?
This medication is available in tablet or injection form.
Tablet form:
- Take by mouth once a day.
- Take around the same time each day.
- If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and then continue to follow the regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.
- If taking the tablet form, do not take at bedtime because not going to the bathroom enough may increase the risk of cystitis.
Injection form:
- Cytoxan is usually given as an injection at the doctor’s office, hospital or clinic.
- If you are using Cytoxan at home, the doctor will teach you how to use it.
- Do not use Cytoxan if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- Drink extra fluids and go to the bathroom (urinate) regularly while you are taking Cytoxan to prevent cystitis.
- Keep the medicine, syringes and needles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse the needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your doctor how to throw out these things after you have used them. Follow all the rules in throwing them away.
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor right away.
- To minimize the risk of skin exposure, always wear gloves (latex, rubber) when handling vials or bottles containing this medicine.
Special Precautions/Instructions
Tell your doctor about all of the medicines (including over the counter), vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking before you start taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have a problem (hypersensitivity) taking cyclophosphamide or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Have severe bone marrow suppression.
- Have recently undergone radiation or chemotherapy.
- Take anticolagulants or have a blood disorder.
- Are pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Patients should avoid all over the counter products that contain aspirin.
Patients should try to use the bathroom (urinate) every 1 to 2 hours while awake and drink plenty of fluids to prevent cystitis.
Both males and females should practice contraception during therapy and for 4 months after therapy because it may cause birth defects.
Patients should take their temperature every day to watch for infection.
Side Effects
Side effects include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- skin rash
- color changes (pigmentation) of skin and nails
- reversible hair loss
- irreversible sterility in both men and women
- loss of menstrual period (women)
- second malignancies
- cystitis,
- immune suppression
- wounds that do not heal properly.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of infection (fever, sore throat, & fatigue) and bleeding (easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, tarry stools).
You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction including:
- Diarrhea
- Feeling sick
- Fever, shivering/chills, rash
- Muscle and bone pain
- Kidney problems (changes in the amount of urine or color of urine)
- Tiredness, dizziness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Trouble breathing
Additional side effects may be found on the drug’s website listed below.
Storage Conditions
This medication should be stored below 77 degrees F. Keep out of reach of children and protect from light.
Emergency/Overdose
Call the national poison control center 1-800-222-1222 or 911 in the event of overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection.
Pediatric Use
The safety profile of Cytoxan (cyclophosphpamide) in pediatric patients is similar to that of the adult population.
Cytoxan Ingredients
-cyclophosphamide, acacia, FD&C Blue No.1, D&C Yellow No.10 Aluminum Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, starch, stearic acid, and talc
Additional Information
For complete information, please visit: http://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_cytoxan.pdf