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Cyclophosphamide

This page contains brief details about the drug cyclophosphamide, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration for treating various malignancies (abnormal production of cells is called cancer and if they spread to other organs then they are called malignancies).

Mechanism of Action of Cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide slows or stops the growth of cancer cells by damaging the hereditary material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells. In nephrotic syndrome, it works by suppressing the body’s immune system.

Uses of Cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide helps to treat various malignancies (abnormal production of cells is called cancer and if they spread to other organs then they are called malignancies). Cyclophosphamide can be used to treat malignant lymphomas (cancers that start from the lymphatic system of the body- vessels, fluid, and lymphoid tissue) such as Hodgkin’s disease, lymphocytic lymphoma, and mixed-cell type lymphoma.

Cyclophosphamide Drug administaration and Dosage available

Cyclophosphamide is available in the form of a tablet and injections. The recommended Cyclophosphamide dose for tablets is 50mg and injection is 1gm, 200mg, 500mg, 1000mg . Depending on your age, weight, and disease condition, your doctor will determine your appropriate dose and duration. Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor instructs you.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Cyclophosphamide

Warnings

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience allergies to Cyclophosphamide and its ingredients. Cyclophosphamide is contraindicated in pregnancy, patients with acute infections, urinary tract infections, urinary outflow obstruction, and bone marrow disorders.

Precautions

Treatment with this medicine may lead to immune suppression, bone marrow failure, cardiotoxicity, renal toxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and secondary malignancies. Inform your doctor if you have pre-existing kidney disease, immune conditions, cardiac disorders, or liver diseases.

Side Effects

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Cyclophosphamide are nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell count, diarrhea, hair loss, fever, weakness, inflammation , dizziness, blurred vision, and amenorrhea.

Word Of Advice

Inform the doctor if the patient has any kidney, liver, heart problems and medication taken for different medical conditions. It causes immune suppression and hence inform the doctor if there are any immunity related problems. This medication should be avoided in pregnant women and breast feeding mothers. The patient undergoing treatment with this medicine may have dizziness, blurred vision. Consult your doctor before driving and handling heavy machines.

Frequently Asked Question

Yes, cyclophosphamide can cause infertility in both the men and women and hence consult the doctor before taking this medication
Yes, Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy medicine and it works by killing cancer cells. It prevents the spreading of cancer cells to different parts.
Yes, cyclophosphamide causes weight loss due to reduced appetite and consult the doctor if there is excessive weight loss.
No, it is highly unsafe to use this medication during pregnancy as they can cause harmful effects on the developing baby.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.