Cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide is used in the treatment of different kinds of cancers. It is also used to treat kidney disease known as nephrotic syndrome in children after other treatments have not worked. It may be also used to treat other conditions, as determined by the doctor.

Cyclophosphamide is given as an injection into a vein by the healthcare professional, but better if injected at the same time every day. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include vomiting, nausea, hair loss, fever, and blood in urine. If they do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects. It is very strong medicine and some people may develop serious side effects while taking it. This medicine may lower your ability to fight infections and lead to problems with your blood, liver or kidneys. Your doctor will advise you regular blood tests to check for these. It is advised that you drink extra fluids so that you pass more urine. This will help prevent bladder and kidney problems and keep your kidneys working well.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

• Cancer
• Nephrotic syndrome

Cancer
Cyclophosphamide helps to treat certain kinds of cancer. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat cancer in various parts of the body. Cyclophosphamide kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes your body to pass too much protein in your urine accompanied with excessive swelling over various parts of the body such as around the eyes and in the feet and ankles. Cyclophosphamide works by suppressing the immune system thereby reducing inflammation and swelling that occur in nephrotic syndrome. It reduces the protein in the urine and also helps in getting rid of the extra fluid, thereby relieving the swelling over different parts of the body. This helps to restore the normal kidney function and prevents further damage to the kidneys.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Phoxelon

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Hair loss
• Fever
• Blood in urine
• Diarrhea
• Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Cyclophosphamide is an anti-cancer medication. It is an alkylating agent which works by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells, thereby stopping their growth and multiplication. This is how it works against cancer.

• Cyclophosphamide helps in the treatment of cancer.
• It is injected into the vein by a doctor or healthcare professional.
• Drink plenty of fluids or urinate frequently to prevent urinary problems while taking this medication.
• 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.
• Use effective contraception method to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

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