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Cyclophosphamide
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Description
Cyclophosphamide is an anticancer agent which is used in the treatment of various cancers of the blood and the female reproductive system. It should be used under the supervision of a qualified physician. Close monitoring of kidney function and blood cell count is necessary while receiving this medication.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Cyclophosphamide
Infections
Decrease in blood cell count
Hair loss
Fever
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Nausea and Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Increased sweating
Skin rash
Uses of Cyclophosphamide
What is it prescribed for?
Malignant Disease
Cyclophosphamide is used in the treatment of cancers like Hodgkin’s disease, lymphocytic lymphoma, etc.
Ovarian Cancer
Cyclophosphamide is used in the treatment of the cancer that affects the female reproductive system.
Breast cancer
Cyclophosphamide is used in the treatment of breast cancer.
Nephrotic Syndrome
In pediatrics, if the nephrotic syndrome does not respond adequately to steroid treatments or if the steroids produce intolerable side effects,
Cyclophosphamide is used to treat the condition.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The effect of this medicine can be observed in 2 to 3 hours after an oral dose.Duration of effect
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 12 to 24 hours.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendency has been reported.Usage in pregnancy?
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.Usage while breast-feeding?
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
Allergy
Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Cyclophosphamide or other alkylating agents.
Urinary outflow obstruction
Not recommended in patients with conditions that obstruct the urine outflow.
Bone marrow suppression
Not recommended in patients with low blood cell counts.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
General warnings
Secondary Malignancies
Cyclophosphamide is known to increase the risk of secondary tumors. Most frequently, the urinary tract, thyroid gland, and blood are affected. Close monitoring of signs and symptoms is necessary. The treatment should be discontinued if malignancy develops.
Blood cell count
Cyclophosphamide is known to lower the white blood cell count (neutrophils) and platelets. Close monitoring of blood cell counts is necessary. Do not start the treatment if the neutrophils count is less than 1500 cells/mm3 and platelets count is less than 50,000 cells/mm3.
Effect on heart
Cyclophosphamide may increase the risk of toxic effects on the heart and could lead to congestive heart failure. The treatment should be monitored in patients with a history of heart disease.
Effect on lungs
Cyclophosphamide may increase the risk of toxic effects on lungs and could lead to respiratory failure. Any symptoms of lung toxicity should be informed to the doctor on priority. The treatment should be discontinued if such symptoms appear.
Infections
The chances of infections are more in patients receiving this medicine. Hold the chemotherapy and start with broad-spectrum antibiotics if there are any signs and symptoms of fever. Close monitoring of the body temperature and the blood cell count is necessary.
Impaired kidney function
Cyclophosphamide is known to increase kidney injury and increases the risk of secondary cancers. It should be used with caution in patients with urinary tract infections. The treatment should be discontinued if the signs and symptoms of kidney injury appear.
Missed Dose
It is advised not to miss any dose. If you miss any dose, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Clozapine
Diltiazem
Warfarin
Live attenuated vaccines and related products
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine as advised by the doctor. It should be given in multiple cycles along with other chemotherapy agents. It is important to receive every scheduled dose. The blood cells count and kidney function should be assessed before starting the treatment. Any signs and symptoms of heart and lung dysfunction should be reported to the doctor on priority.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by interfering with the DNA synthesis and inhibiting the tumor growth.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Alkylating agents
Schedule
Schedule G
Cyclophosphamide - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 16 June 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 16 June 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - Cyclophosphamide capsule [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 16 June 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 16 June 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 16 June 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 1 Jun 2020
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.