What is this medication for?
Cyclophosphamide belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medicines known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as alkylating agents. Another alkylating agent is ifosfamide. Cyclophosphamide prevents the growth of cancer cells by interfering with the genetic material DNA, which is necessary for reproduction of cells. Because cancer cells reproduce more quickly than normal cells, they are targeted by the medication.
Cyclophosphamide is used to treat many types of cancer including cancers of the blood (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma), Hodgkin's disease, ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, mycosis fungoides, and breast cancer.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Cyclophosphamide by Roxane Laboratories is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of cylophosphamide varies widely according to the specific disease being treated, the response to therapy and other drugs being used. The dose is based on body weight. It is available as an intravenous injection (into the vein) and as an oral tablet.
The injectable form is injected into through a specially prepared site on the skin. The dosing regimen for this medication varies widely. Tablets are sometimes taken on a daily basis in smaller doses, but can also be given in larger doses for a few days at a time with 2- to 4-week intervals between doses. The intravenous form of the medication is sometimes administered twice a week, but larger doses may be given every 3 to 4 weeks depending on the condition being treated. The intravenous form of cyclophosphamide is always given under the supervision of a doctor. Very careful handling of this medication is required. It is always given in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.
Cyclophosphamide is excreted in urine. Your bladder will become irritated if the urine containing cyclophosphamide stays inside it for too long. It is therefore important that you drink extra fluids while taking cyclophosphamide so that extra urine is passed. The bladder should be emptied frequently so that the kidneys continue to work well. You may need to drink up to 7 to 12 cups of fluid a day.
Cyclophosphamide tablets must be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. They are usually taken first thing in the morning to reduce the risk of bladder problems. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your situation. Stomach upset can be decreased by taking the medication with food. This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, but it is important that you continue to use the medicine. Do not stop taking the medicine without talking with your doctor. If you vomit shortly after taking a dose of medicine, call your doctor for instructions on whether to skip that dose or to take another dose.
As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, cyclophosphamide can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as hair loss and mouth sores. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section, "What side effects are possible with this medication?"
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Cyclophosphamide should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to cyclophosphamide or any ingredients of the medication
- has severely low white blood cell counts or platelet counts