Cyclophosphamide Injection ()

Cyclophosphamide Injection Information:

Cyclophosphamide (sigh-kloe-FOSS-fa-mide) is a drug that is used to treat many kinds of cancer. It is a clear liquid that is injected into a vein. A blood sample will be taken before each treatment. The dose and timing of your chemotherapy may be changed based on your blood counts and/or other side effects. Drink lots of liquids (8-12 cups a day) on the day(s) of your treatment and the day after your treatment. Empty your bladder (pass urine) every 2 hours while you are awake and at bedtime for at least 24 hours after your treatment. Your doctor may also tell you to get up in the night to empty your bladder. This helps prevent bladder and kidney problems. Other drugs such as chloramphenicol, digoxin (Lanoxin®), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin®), or warfarin (Coumadin®) may interact with cyclophosphamide. Tell your doctor if you are taking these or any other drugs as your dose may need to be changed. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking any new drugs. The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) will not affect the safety or usefulness of cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide may cause sterility in men and menopause in women which may be permanent. If you plan to have children, discuss this with your doctor before being treated with cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide may damage sperm and may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. It is best to use birth control while being treated with cyclophosphamide. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Do not breast feed during treatment. Tell doctors or dentists that you are being treated with cyclophosphamide before you receive any treatment from them.

Cyclophosphamide Injection Side Effects:

Nausea and vomiting may occur 6-12 hours after your treatment and may last for 24-36 hours. Some people have little or no nausea. To manage this you may be given an antinausea drug with your treatment and a prescription to take at home. It is easier to prevent nausea than treat it once it has occurred. Follow antinausea drug directions closely. Drink plenty of liquids. Eat often in small amounts. Your white blood cells will decrease 8-15 days after your treatment. They will return to normal 17-28 days after your last treatment. White blood cells protect your body by fighting bacteria (germs) that cause infection. When they are low, you are at greater risk of having an infection. To help prevent infection: Wash your hands often and always after using the bathroom, Take care of your skin and mouth, Avoid crowds and people who are sick, Call your doctor immediately at the first sign of an infection such as fever (over 100°F or 38°C), chills, cough, sore throat or burning when you pass urine. Your platelets may decrease 8-15 days after your treatment. They will return to normal 17-28 days after your last treatment. Platelets help to make your blood clot when you hurt yourself. You may bruise or bleed more easily than usual. To help prevent bleeding problems: Try not to bruise, cut or burn yourself, Clean your nose by blowing gently, do not pick your nose. Avoid constipation. For minor pain, take acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol®). Do not take ASA (eg, Aspirin®) or ibuprofen (eg, Advil®). Hair loss is common and may begin within a few days or weeks of treatment. With lower doses, your hair may thin. With higher doses, you may become totally bald. Your scalp may feel tender. You may also lose hair on your face and body. Your hair will grow back once your treatments are over and sometimes between treatments. Colour and texture may change.