Cytoxan is part of a group of medications called alkylating agents. It is used to treat different types of cancer, such as lymphomas, leukemia, multiple myeloma, mycosis fungoides, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, retinoblastoma, breast cancer. Its main component is cyclophosphamide. It works by slowing or stopping cell growth. Cytoxan is also used to treat certain kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome) in children.
Directions
Take Cytoxan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your dose will vary depending on the type of cancer, the other chemotherapy medications you are taking, and whether you develop bothersome or dangerous side effects. Sometimes Cytoxan is taken every day, and sometimes it is taken intermittently (such as twice a week or once every 10 days).
For the treatment of nephrotic syndrome in children, Cytoxan is usually limited to 60 days to 90 days of use.
Taking Cytoxan on an empty stomach is preferable. If severe stomach upset occurs, take it with food. Take each oral dose with a large glass of water. During treatment with this medication, you must drink more fluids than usual and pass urine frequently to help avoid kidney and bladder side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Cytoxan you should talk with your doctor if you have low levels of white blood cells in the blood (neutropenia) or low platelets (thrombocytopenia), previous radiation or chemotherapy treatment, any infection, heart disease, kidney disease, kidney failure, liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, any allergies. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. Do not have immunizations or vaccinations.
Contraindications
You should not take Cytoxan if you are allergic to it, cyclophosphamide, or any inactive components of this medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have severe bone marrow depression (a decreased ability of your bone marrow to make blood cells).
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have fever, sore throat, chills, blood in the urine, nausea, black or tarry stools, vomiting, painful or difficult urination, chest pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), rash, temporary hair loss, difficulty breathing, changes in bone marrow function, unusual bleeding, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, changes in skin color, swelling of your lips, face, or tongue, hives. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: thiazide diuretics (chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone, indapamide), blood thinners (warfarin), digoxin, anthracycline chemotherapy medications (idarubicin valrubicin, epirubicin), anticonvulsants (fosphenytoin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, pentobarbital, phenobarbital), rifamycin antibiotics (rifampin, rifapentine, rifabutin). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are decreased bone marrow function, infection, and heart problems.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light, heat, and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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