GENERIC NAME: CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE - ORAL, INJECTION (sye-klo-FOSS-fuh-mide)
BRAND NAME(S): Cytoxan, Neosar
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Cyclophosphamide is used to treat different types of cancer.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat a variety of rheumatoid diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and has other uses as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: This is a powerful medication. Use it exactly as prescribed. While you are using this medication, you must drink more fluid than usual and pass urine frequently. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects. Ask your doctor how much you should drink and how often to empty your bladder each day and follow these instructions carefully. Do not stop using this medication, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting. If you vomit shortly after a dose, or if you miss a dose, contact your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, rash, hives, itch, stomach pain, darkening of skin/nails, headache, flushing or red face, sweating, or swollen lips are common side effects. Using the medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limited activity may help lessen some of these effects. Temporary hair loss is another common side effect; normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: pink or bloody urine. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- IV Drug Infusion FAQs - Learn what to expect during an intravenous (IV) drug infusion of medicine and avoid the confusion of what to expect. Information on what to bring, questions to ask the staff, and follow-up are included.
- Ovarian Cancer - Learn who is most likely to get ovarian cancer, and read about symptoms, diagnosis, tests, stages, information research, surgery, chemo treatment and risk factors.
- Lupus - Get information on lupus (SLE) disease treatment, signs, diagnosis, types of symptoms (butterfly, discoid rash), causes, pregnancy flares, prevention and statistics.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows