Cyclophosphamide
Information about Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide uses
Cyclophosphamide is used in the treatment of cancer and nephrotic syndrome.
How cyclophosphamide works
Cyclophosphamide is an anti-cancer medication. It is an alkylating agent which works by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells, thereby stopping their growth and multiplication. This is how it works against cancer.
Common side effects of cyclophosphamide
Hair loss, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhea, Mucosal inflammation, Infection, Myelosuppression, Low blood platelets, Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Cystitis, Microhematuria, Decreased appetite, Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Deafness, Hypersensitivity reaction, Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), Myocarditis (inflammation of heart muscle), Visual impairment, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Skin rash, Rhabdomyolysis
Available Medicine for Cyclophosphamide
Expert advice for Cyclophosphamide
- Cyclophosphamide helps in the treatment of cancer.
- Drink plenty of fluids or urinate frequently to prevent urinary problems while taking this medication.
- Take it with food if you experience irritation of the stomach, preferably in the morning.
- Your doctor may get regular blood tests to monitor your blood counts while on treatment with this medication.
- You are more likely to get sick or heal slower while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty in urinating or blood in urine while on treatment with this medication.
- Do not take Cyclophosphamide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Use effective contraception method to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
Frequently asked questions for Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide
Q. Can Cyclophosphamide cause infertility?
Yes, Cyclophosphamide can cause infertility in both men and women. It may interfere with the normal menstrual cycle in women and may stop sperm production in men. If you are considering becoming parents after the treatment please discuss this with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about cryopreservation (freezing) of sperm or eggs prior to treatment because of the possibility of irreversible infertility due to therapy with Cyclophosphamide.
Q. Do I need to avoid sun exposure during treatment with Cyclophosphamide?
No, there is no evidence that you need to avoid sun exposure while on Cyclophosphamide. Skin and nail discoloration are reported rarely with Cyclophosphamide.
Q. Can Cyclophosphamide cause cancer?
Cancer medicines and radiation therapy can increase the risk of developing other cancers. These may not develop soon and may take a number of years after the completion of your treatment. The risk of developing cancer with Cyclophosphamide is high in the urinary bladder. Other rare cancers that may occur with use of Cyclophosphamide include Acute leukemia, Myelodysplastic syndrome, and cancer of the ureters.