Generic Cytoxan

Chemical Name: CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE

Common uses

This medicine is an alkylating agent used to treat certain cancers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking digoxin or doxorubicin. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine on an empty stomach. If this medicine upsets your stomach, it may be taken with food. If nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite occurs, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects.

If you miss a dose of this medicine and you take 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store this medicine at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light.

Cautions

Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are being treated with this medicine. Drink extra fluids and empty your bladder regularly while taking this medicine and for 24 hours after you receive this medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine lowers your resistance to infection. To prevent infection, avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells needed for clotting. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. Before you have any medical or dental treatments or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. Check with your doctor before having immunizations (vaccinations) while you are using this medicine.

The use of birth control is recommended while using this medicine. This medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, absence of menstrual periods, unusual tiredness or weakness, or hair loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience unusual bruising or bleeding; painful urination; lower back or abdominal pain; persistent cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing; fever, chills, or sore throat; or blood in urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include red or bloody urine, back or stomach pain, weakness, and fast heartbeat.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.