Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Cyclophosphamide is a medication that can be used on its own or with other drugs to treat various types of cancer such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which are cancers that start in white blood cells that usually fight infections. It is also used for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a group of cancers that initially appear as skin rashes, multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, and specific types of leukemia. Cyclophosphamide can also be used to treat retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer, neuroblastoma, a cancer that starts in nerve cells and primarily affects children, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.
Cyclophosphamide belongs to a group of drugs known as alkylating agents, and when it is used to treat cancer, it works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body. When used to treat nephrotic syndrome, cyclophosphamide suppresses the immune system.
Uses and Dosage
Cyclophosphamide is a medication that is taken orally, usually in the form of a tablet, once a day. The duration of treatment with this drug will depend on various factors, such as the other medications being taken, the patient’s response to the drugs, and the specific type of cancer or medical condition being treated.
To ensure optimal effectiveness, take cyclophosphamide at the same time each day and follow the instructions on the prescription label precisely. Any uncertainties or questions should be addressed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Swallow the tablets whole and not to crush, chew, or split them. In some cases, a doctor may need to modify the dosage or delay treatment due to the patient’s reaction to the drug or any side effects that arise.
Communicate any concerns or changes in health status with the doctor throughout the treatment process. The medication should not be discontinued without consulting a doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite or weight
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- hair loss
- sores on the mouth or tongue
- changes in skin color
- changes in color or growth of finger or toe nails
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- poor or slow wound healing
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- black, tarry stools
- painful urination or red urine
- rash
- hives
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- shortness of breath
- cough
- swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- chest pain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Caution
Prior to using cyclophosphamide, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, other chemotherapy drugs (such as busulfan, chlorambucil), or if you have any other allergies. The product may contain inactive components that can cause allergic reactions or other complications.
Disclose your medical history, particularly if you have reduced bone marrow function (such as anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), liver disease, kidney disease, difficulty urinating due to blockage, or have undergone surgery to remove your adrenal glands.
Cyclophosphamide can increase the risk of infections or exacerbate existing infections. Avoid contact with individuals who have contagious illnesses that can spread to others, such as chickenpox, measles, or the flu. If you have been exposed to an infection, contact your doctor for further instructions.
Inform your healthcare provider that you are using cyclophosphamide before receiving any immunizations or vaccinations, and avoid contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines, such as the flu vaccine administered through the nose.
Children may experience greater sensitivity to the drug’s side effects, particularly infertility later in life.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Do not become pregnant while taking cyclophosphamide as it can harm the developing fetus. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test prior to starting the medication, and women should inquire about reliable birth control methods while using the medication and for one year after treatment cessation.
Men with female partners of childbearing age should ask about reliable birth control methods while taking the medication and for four months after treatment cessation. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, speak with your doctor promptly to weigh the risks and benefits of continuing the medication.
Cyclophosphamide is excreted in breast milk and can harm nursing infants. Breastfeeding while using this medication and for one week after treatment cessation is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Cytoxan is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Cytoxan tablet:
- 25mg
- 50mg
-
cyclophosphamide tablet:
- 25mg
FAQ
Do you lose your hair with Cytoxan?
Hair loss is often complete scalp hair loss and can involve loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. You may notice this a few days or weeks after treatment has started. Most often hair loss is temporary.
How long do you stay on Cytoxan?
Cytoxan is often used for three – six months to treat a condition and put it into remission.
Resources
- https://hillman.upmc.com/patients/community-support/education/chemotherapy-drugs/cyclophosphamide-high-dose-for-sct#:~:text=Hair%20loss%20is%20often%20complete,back%20when%20treatment%20is%20done
- https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Treatments/Cyclophosphamide-Cytoxan#:~:text=Cyclophosphamide%20is%20often%20used%20for,maintenance%20therapy%20for%20certain%20conditions
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20139-cyclophosphamide-tablets-or-capsules
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cyclophosphamide-oral-route-intravenous-route/side-effects/drg-20063307?p=1
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682080.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-52888/cytoxan-intravenous/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/cyclophosphamide-oral-and-injection.html
