Cyclophosphamide
Information about Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide uses
Cyclophosphamide is used in the treatment of cancer and nephrotic syndrome.
How cyclophosphamide works
Cyclophosphamide is an anti-cancer medication with immunosuppressive property. In cancer, it works by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells, thereby stopping their growth and multiplication.
Common side effects of cyclophosphamide
Fever, Blood in urine, Hair loss, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhea
Content Details
Last updated on:
20 May 2019 | 11:33 AM (IST)
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Expert advice for Cyclophosphamide
- Cyclophosphamide helps in the treatment of cancer.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent urinary problems while taking this medication.
- Take it with food if you experience irritation of the stomach, preferably in the morning.
- Your doctor may get regular blood tests to monitor your blood counts while on treatment with this medication.
- You are more likely to get sick or heal slower while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty in urinating or blood in urine while on treatment with this medication.
- Do not take Cyclophosphamide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide
Q. Is Cyclophosphamide chemotherapy?
It is toxic to cancer cells and interferes with the cell's DNA synthesis, thus slowing down or stopping its growth and multiplication (cytotoxic effect)
Q. Is Cyclophosphamide prodrug?
Yes. Cyclophosphamide is administered in the inactive form (prodrug) and gets converted to active form which has anti-cancer properties
Q. Does Cyclophosphamide have a boxed warning?
No. Cyclophosphamide does not have any specific boxed warning. Please discuss with your doctor about all the possible side effects and warnings relating to use of Cyclophosphamide
Q. Does Cyclophosphamide come in liquid form?
No. Cyclophosphamide comes in a dry powder form that be reconstituted to make a solution for injection or oral liquid as directed
Q. Is Cyclophosphamide a cytotoxic drug?
Yes. Cyclophosphamide is chemotherapy and a cytotoxic drug used in the treatment of various cancers
Q. Is Cyclophosphamide an antimetabolite/ steroid/ anthracycline?
No. Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of various cancers. It is not an antimetabolite or anthracycline type of anti-cancer drug. It has a structure and effects different from steroids
Q. Is Cyclophosphamide a vesicant?
Cyclophosphamide is an irritant and can cause tissue inflammation at site of injection if its oozes out of the vein
Q. Does Cyclophosphamide cause hair loss/ infertility/ thrombocytopenia/ headaches/ hemorrhagic cystitis?
Yes. Hair loss (alopecia), infertility (in men and women), low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), headaches and inflammation of the urinary bladder (hemorrhagic cystitis) are among the known common side effects of Cyclophosphamide use
Q. Is Cyclophosphamide removed by plasma exchange?
Cyclophosphamide is unlikely to be removed by plasma exchange since a very low percentage of drug is bound to proteins in the plasma.