Cyclophosphamide – Intravenous

Cyclophosphamide – Intravenous
(sy-kloe-FOSS-fuh-mide)

Also Known As: Cytoxan®, Neosar®, CTX

How It Is Given:

Intravenously (by vein)

Early Side Effects (beginning within one week) Can Include:

• An allergic reaction while the drug is being given:
  – Nasal stuffiness.
  – Light-headedness, facial flushing, or headache. (Tell your nurse right away, so the IV can be slowed. That should stop the headache.)
  -Watery eyes.
  – Runny nose.
  -Sneezing.
• A metallic taste while you are receiving the drug.
• Nausea or vomiting four to six hours after receiving the drug. It can last 72 hours.
• Bladder irritation. You may have burning on urination or blood in the urine. It can begin three to seven days after you have received the drug.

Late Side Effects (within one week) Can Include:

• A temporary decrease in white blood cell count 10 to 14 days after treatment. A decrease in platelet count may also occur.
• Temporary thinning or loss of hair three or more weeks after you have received the drug.

Special Points:

• This medicine can harm an unborn child. Ask your doctor or nurse about the type of birth conrrol you should use. Tell your doctor immediately if you think you or your partner might be pregnant.
• This medicine can decrease your ability ro have a child. It can affect both men and women. Discuss this with your doctor before you start treatment.
• You may have a metallic taste in your mouth for a short time while the drug is given. Suck on hard candy to lessen the taste.
• This medicine can irritate the lining of the urinary bladder. It is important that it be given with a large amounr of fluids through the vein. Drink at least two quarts of fluid every day for two to three days after treatment.
• Urinate every three to four hours for 24 hours after treatment. Urinate before bedtime. You do not have to wake up at night to urinate.
• Take your anti nausea medicine as instructed.
• Aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g. Motrin®, Aleve®), and vitamin E can cause bleeding problems. Do not take medicine that has them unless your doctor says it is okay. Your nurse will give you a fact card that tells you what drugs you cannot take and what you can use instead.
• Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking any other medicines or have changed medicines. Some may change the way this drug works. Include:
  – Medicines that do and do nor require a prescription.
  – Herbal remedies.
  -Vitamins.
  – Dietary supplements.