Drug Name

Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide)

Drug Uses

Cytoxan is used for treating certain types of the following cancers: lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia, mycosis fungoides, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, eye cancer, and breast cancer. It is usually used in combination with other medicines. It may also be used to treat certain kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome) in children or for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Cytoxan as directed by your doctor.

• Take Cytoxan tablets by mouth.
• Swallow Cytoxan with a drink of water.
• Take your doses at regular intervals.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Cytoxan is an antineoplastic. It works by stopping or slowing the growth or spread of certain cancer cells.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Cytoxan, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Cytoxan at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Cytoxan out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Cytoxan if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cytoxan or to other similar medicines;
• you are in the first 3 months of pregnancy or you are breast-feeding;
• you are taking tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-blocking medicines (e.g,. etanercept) .

• Cytoxan may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.
• Cytoxan may lower your body's ability to fight infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Notify your doctor of any signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, rashes, or chills.
• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Cytoxan . If possible, inform the doctor or dentist at least 10 days before the procedure.
• Cytoxan may decrease your body's ability to heal wounds. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• Cytoxan may increase your chance of developing a second cancer, sometimes even years after stopping treatment with Cytoxan . Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• Cytoxan may cause infertility that is sometimes permanent. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• Check with your doctor before receiving any vaccinations while you are using Cytoxan.
• The use of birth control is recommended while using Cytoxan.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, platelet counts, and urine tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Cytoxan with caution in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Cytoxan has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are using Cytoxan . If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Cytoxan during pregnancy. Cytoxan is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast feed while taking Cytoxan.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• appetite loss; absence of menstrual periods; color change in skin; diarrhea; general unwell feeling; hair loss; nausea; skin rash; stomach discomfort or pain; texture change in nails; vomiting; weakness.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine; bloody or black tarry stools; chest pain; chills; fever; hallucinations; increased or decreased urination; infection; lower back or abdominal pain; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; painful urination; persistent cough; pneumonia; red, swollen, or blistered skin; seizures; severe stomach pain; shortness of breath; sore throat; sores in the mouth; swelling of the hands or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Cytoxan is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.