Drug name
Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide)
Drug Uses
Usually Cytoxan is used in combination with other medicines.This medicine helps to treat certain types cancers like neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, eye cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, mycosis fungoides, multiple myeloma etc.
It is also used to treat some children problems of kidney or for some other conditions as prescribed by your doctor.
How Taken
Take the medicine as determined by your doctor. Take Cytoxan pills by mouth swallowing they with a drink of water. Doses should be used at regular intervals.
Address your health care provider if you have some questions about how to use Cytoxan.
Drug Class and Mechanism
This remedy is an antineoplastic which works by way of slowing or stopping the spread and growth of cancer cells.
Missed Dose
If you omit a dose of Cytoxan, take it immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and follow your everyday dosing schedule. Do not take two doses of Cytoxan at once.
Storage
Keep Cytoxan at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Save it away from light, heat, moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Save this remedy out of the reach of children and pets.
Warnings Precautions
Do not use Cytoxan in the following cases:
you have allergies to certain ingredient of Cytoxan;
you are in the first three months of pregnancy;
you are breast-feeding;
you are taking TNF blocking medicines (tumor necrosis factor).
Tell your health care provider immediately if any of these apply to you.
Important :
Cytoxan may decrease the quantity of pletels (clot-forming cells) in your blood. To avert bleeding, avoid situations in which injury or bruising may happen. Inform your doctor about unusual bleeding, bruising or dark, tarry stools.
This remedy may decrease ability of your immunity to fight various infections. You should avoid contact with people with infections. Inform your doctor if any signs of infection happen. Such signs may include chills, fever, sore throat and rashes.
Before taking some dental or medical healing, tell the dentist or doctor that you are taking Cytoxan. You should inform any of your health care provider in case of emergency care or surgery. It is advisable to tell the dentist or doctor at least ten days before beginning the procedure.
This medicine may lower ability of your body to heal wounds. You are adviced to discuss all questions your doctor.
Sometimes Cytoxan may highten possibility of developing a second cancer. The second cancer can develop even some years after stopping therapy with Cytoxan. Anyway, discuss all concerns with your doctor.
Medacation with Cytoxan may result in infertility, even permanent. Talk about all questions and concerns with your doctor.
Birth control is strongly recommended during using this remedy.
Laboratory tests may be taken for monitoring your progress and checking side effects. Such tests may include urine tests, complete blood cell counts, platelet counts etc. You will have to keep all lab and doctor appointments.
Nake Cytoxan cautiously in the elderly.
Cytoxan is considered to be able to cause serious harm to the fetus. Avoid pregnancy when you are using Cytoxan. If you suspect you are pregnant, discuss with your doctor all the risks and benefits of using this medicine whole pregnancy. It passes into breast milk. You must not breast- feed while taking Cytoxan.
Possible Side Effects
Advice with your doctor if any of these side effects become bothersome:
hair loss; nausea; skin rash; stomach pain; change in nails; appetite loss; menstrual periods absence; change in skin; diarrhea; vomiting; weakness.
Ask for medical attention immediately in case any of these severe side effects happen: blood in urine; bloody, black tarry stools; pain in the chest; fever; hallucinations; serious allergic reactions (chest tightness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; rash; hives; difficulty breathing); increased/ decreased urination; infection; breath shortness; sore throat; swelling of the hands, feet; unusual bruising / bleeding; severe tiredness, weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin; lower back or abdominal pain; pain at the injection site; painful urination; cough; pneumonia; red, blistered skin; seizures; stomach pain.
More Information
Cytoxan must be used only by those patient for whom it is prescribed by a doctor. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms become worse and do not improve, contact your doctor.