CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE - ORAL

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (sye-klo-FOSS-fuh-mide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cytoxan

GENERIC NAME(S): cyclophosphamide

Uses

USES: Cyclophosphamide is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping cell growth. Cyclophosphamide also works by decreasing your immune system's response to various diseases. It is used to treat a certain type of kidney disease in children after other treatments have not worked.


How to use CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, response to treatment, and other treatments (such as other chemotherapy drugs, radiation) you may be receiving. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During treatment with this medication, you must drink more fluids than usual and pass urine frequently to help avoid kidney and bladder side effects. Ask your doctor how much you should drink and how often to empty your bladder each day, and follow these instructions carefully. If you are using the capsules, swallow them whole. Do not open, chew, or crush the capsules. If you have accidental contact with broken capsules, wash your hands thoroughly right away. Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe dust from the tablets or capsules. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach ache, diarrhea, or darkening of the skin/nails may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Temporary hair loss may occur. Hair growth should return after treatment has ended or may even return during treatment. However, new hair may have a different color or texture. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of kidney or bladder problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pink/bloody urine), mouth sores, joint pain, easy bruising/bleeding, stopping of menstrual periods, existing wounds that are slow healing. Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: black/bloody stools, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness/spasm. This medication may rarely cause very serious effects on the heart, especially when used in high doses, or in combination with radiation treatment or certain other chemotherapy drugs (e.g., doxorubicin). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain). This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills or persistent sore throat. Cyclophosphamide may lessen the chance of having children in both men and women. Sterility is usually temporary with this medication, but can be permanent in some cases. Consult your doctor for more details. Although cyclophosphamide is used to treat cancer, in some patients it may increase the risk of developing another form of cancer, sometimes months to years after treatment. Consult your doctor for more details. It is important to be closely monitored by your doctor during treatment. You should also see your doctor regularly after treatment is finished. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: unusual growths or lumps, swollen glands, unexplained or sudden weight loss, night sweats, pain in the pelvis, painful or frequent urination. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking cyclophosphamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other chemotherapy drugs (e.g., busulfan, chlorambucil); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: decreased bone marrow function (e.g., anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, surgery to remove your adrenal glands. Cyclophosphamide can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially possible infertility later in life. Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe dust from the tablets or capsules. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) during treatment and for up to 1 year after treatment is stopped. Men should use reliable birth control (such as condoms) during sexual activity with a female partner of childbearing age during treatment and for up to 4 months after treatment is stopped. Tell the doctor right away if you or your partner become pregnant, or if you think you or your partner might be pregnant. Consult your doctor for more details. This drug passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: allopurinol, chloramphenicol, chloroquine, digoxin, nalidixic acid, phenobarbital, phenothiazines, primidone, St John's wort, turmeric (curcumin).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE 25 MG CAPSULE

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CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE 50 MG CAPSULE

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54 881, 54 881

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AMG, 307

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STI 021

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STI 022

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Faq for CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE - ORAL

Cyclophosphamide is an oral medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It is used to treat certain types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer.

Cyclophosphamide works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying and spreading. It does this by damaging the DNA of the cancer cells, which leads to their death.

Common side effects of cyclophosphamide include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, hair loss, mouth sores, darkened skin or nails, and changes in taste or smell. It can also lower the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to an increased risk of infection, easy bruising or bleeding, and fatigue.

Cyclophosphamide is usually taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules. The dosage prescribed will depend on the type of cancer being treated and the patient's individual circumstances. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist and take the medication exactly as prescribed.

Certain medications can interact with cyclophosphamide and either increase or decrease its effectiveness, or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements, to avoid any potential interactions.

Cyclophosphamide can have long-term side effects, including an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as bladder cancer and leukemia. Regular monitoring and follow-up with your doctor is important to detect any potential long-term complications.

Cyclophosphamide can cause harm to an unborn baby, so it is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It can also pass into breast milk and may harm a breastfeeding baby. It is important to discuss the potential risks with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.