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molecule

Cyclophosphamide

Molecule Description

Cyclophosphamide is used to treat and prevent cancers in the body and also to s

uppress the immune system. It belongs to a class of medicines called ‘alkylating agents’

uses

Uses of Cyclophosphamide

  • Treatment of cancer of certain type of white blood cells (acute and chronic
  • lymphocytic leukemia)
  • As conditioning for bone marrow transplantation, in certain cancers of white blood
  • cells that start in the bone marrow (acute lymphoblastic, acute and chronic
  • myelogenous leukemia)
  • Cancer of immune white blood cells (plasma cells, a condition called multiple
  • myeloma), and cancer of the lymph nodes (glands of the immune system, conditions
  • called as hodgkin’s and non-hodgkin’s lymphoma)
  • Advanced cancers of the breast and the ovary (that are spreading)
  • ‘Add-on’ treatment to other medicines for treatment of breast cancer (that is not
  • spreading)
  • A type of cancer of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments etc) or the bones
  • (ewing’s sarcoma)
  • A type of lung cancer (small cell lung cancer)
  • Advanced cancer of immature nerve cells (neuroblastoma)
  • Life-threatening diseases of the immune system (lupus nephritis that affects the
  • kidney, a condition called wegener’s granulomatosis that affects the blood vessels)
contraindications

Contraindications of Cyclophosphamide

When should one not use Cyclophosphamide

  • Allergy to cyclophosphamide or to any of the components
  • Any acute infections
  • Bone marrow depression or aplasia (severely reduced cells of the bone marrow)
  • Urinary tract infections, urinary outflow obstruction
  • Damage to the lining of the lower urinary tract (damaged urothelium of the urinary
  • tube between the kidney and outlet)
  • Cyclophosphamide should not be used for any conditions other than cancer except
  • for suppression of the immune system in life-threatening situations
sideEffects

Side effects of Cyclophosphamide

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Decreased activity of the bone marrow causing (myelosuppression)
  • Decreased production of white blood cells (leucopenia, neutropenia)
  • Hair loss
  • Burning sensation and increased frequency of passing urine (cystitis)
  • Fever
  • Suppression of the immune system (increase in infections due to reduced resistance)
  • Irritation of lining of some organs (mucositis)
  • Blood in the urine (microhematuria)
  • Feeling unwell, weakness
  • Liver problems
  • Chills
  • Infertility in men
  • Low red blood cells and platelet counts (anemia and thrombocytopenia)
  • Lung infections (pneumonia), sepsis (wide spread infection), allergic reactions, chest
  • pain, fast heart beats, redness of skin, numbness, nerve pain, decreased hunger,
  • deafness, infertility in females (uncommon)
  • Allergic reactions with difficulty in breathing, high heart rate, low blood pressure,
  • tiredness, swelling of face and lips, rashes and itching (Anaphylactic reactions – rare,
  • but serious)
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Cyclophosphamide

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Cyclophosphamide during pregnancy?
A:
Do not use Cyclophosphamide if you are pregnant Cyclophosphamide might affect the unborn baby. Follow contraceptive measures while you are on this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Cyclophosphamide while breastfeeding?
A:
Do not take cyclophosphamide if you are breastfeeding, as it appears in human milk in toxic amounts and can harm the baby. Please consult before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Cyclophosphamide?
A:
Caution is recommended as Cyclophosphamide can cause side effects such as dizziness, vision problem after taking this medicine. Do not drive if you experience any of these symptoms
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Cyclophosphamide?
A:
Cyclophosphamide causes nausea and vomiting, if you drink alcohol while on this treatment increase the risk of nausea and vomiting It is important to note that alcohol delays healing in conditions like cancer
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Severe infections
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Your adrenal glands (hormone releasing glands present on top of the kidney) have
  • been removed
  • Received treatment for cancer by radiation (radiotherapy) or by medicines
  • (chemotherapy)
  • Heart problems or radiation treatment in your chest area
  • Diabetes
  • Weak, elder or have poor oral health
  • Had recent surgery (less than 10 days ago)
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Cyclophosphamide

How Does It Work?

Cyclophosphamide acts by killing the cancer cells in the body after being activated in the liver. At lower doses, it suppresses certain regulatory (T-cells) cells of the immune system and causes immun...
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interactions

Interactions of Cyclophosphamide

Interactions with other medicines

  • Medicines used to treat HIV/ AIDS (zidovudine, ritonavir, nelfinavir)
  • Medicines used to treat high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors – ramipril, enalapril,
  • lisinopril; diuretics – furosemide, torsemide)
  • Medicines used to treat immune disorders (natalizumab, azathioprine, cyclosporine,
  • etanercept)
  • Certain anti-cancer medicines (paclitaxel, anthracyclines, cytarabine, pentostatin,
  • trastuzumab, tamoxifen, radiation treatment of the chest region)
  • Medicines that increase the number of blood cells (CSF-colony stimulating factors)
  • Medicines used to treat heart disease (amiodarone)
  • Metronidazole (an antibiotic)
  • Muscle relaxants (succinyl choline etc)

Interactions with food items

No known food interaction with this medicine
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Cyclophosphamide

  • Drink plenty of water and fluids to avoid any urinary complications while you are
  • taking Cyclophosphamide
  • Consumption of Grapefruit (fruit or juice) is not recommended while taking
  • Cyclophosphamide
dosage

Dosage of Cyclophosphamide

Overdose

Overdose leads to life threatening situations at very high doses You are advised to take this injection or infusion (slow drip into the veins) in a hospital setting under supervision This will minimiz...
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Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember If the missed dose falls at the time of you next scheduled dose then skip it Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Q: Are there any special precautions I need to follow while taking cyclophosphamide?

A: Females should not try for pregnancy up to 12 months after discontinuing treatment with Cyclophosphamide Males on Cyclophosphamide should use birth control up to 6 months after stopping the treatment If you are of reproductive age, it may be advisable to preserve your sperms or eggs as Cyclophosphamide may irreversibly affect your fertility Cyclophosphamide interferes with wound healing Exercise caution and reduce the incidence of any cuts, injuries, burns etc and give immediate attention Cyclophosphamide can cause mouth ulcers and sore gums You are advised to maintain good oral health

Q: What else do I need to know while taking Cyclophosphamide?

A: White blood cell and platelet count need to be done regularly while on treatment with Cyclophosphamide If the medicine is given by infusion (slow drip) or by direct injection (through the veins), it has to be done by trained personnel You are advised not to do it on your own Infusion (slow drip into the veins) should be done over a period of 30 minutes to 2 hours
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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