Cyclophosphamide

About cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide is used to treat a variety of different cancers. It is also sometimes used to treat non-cancerous diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Cancers can be caused when certain cells in the body grow and multiply too fast. Cyclophosphamide works by preventing cells from increasing in number and therefore stops their overgrowth.

Before taking cyclophosphamide

Before taking cyclophosphamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you and your partner are trying for a baby or intend to have children in the future.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
• If you are suffering from cystitis (a water infection) or any other infection.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take cyclophosphamide

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush them.
• These tablets are best taken an hour before a meal time, but they may be taken after a meal if necessary to prevent any feelings of sickness.
• While taking cyclophosphamide it is important to drink plenty of fluids, this will help prevent a serious type of cystitis sometimes caused by this medicine.
• Try to take cyclophosphamide at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Cyclophosphamide can cause feelings of sickness. It is important to keep taking this medicine at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell. Your doctor may be able to give you an anti-sickness medicine to help.
• If you are sick shortly after taking a dose, or if you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You will need to have regular blood tests during your treatment with cyclophosphamide.
• Important: You must not get pregnant or father a child while taking cyclophosphamide as it can harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• While you are taking cyclophosphamide, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. This is because cyclophosphamide lowers the body's resistance to infection and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you find you are passing urine less than you would expect or your ankles swell, see your doctor as soon as possible. You may need to take another medicine to help with this.
• If you have diabetes, this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Check your blood or urine regularly to ensure your blood sugar level is unaffected and report any extreme changes to your doctor.

Can cyclophosphamide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store cyclophosphamide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.