Cyclophosphamide is the generic name for the trade name drug Cytoxan or Neosar
. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Cytoxan or Neosar when referring to the generic drug name cyclophosphamide. Drug Type: Cyclophosphamide is an anti-cancer (“antineoplastic” or “cytotoxic”) chemotherapy drug.
What cancer does cyclophosphamide treat?
Cyclophosphamide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat
Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
(types of cancer that begin in a type of white blood cells that normally fights infection); cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL, a group of cancers of the immune system that …
Is cyclophosphamide a strong chemo drug?
Cyclophosphamide is one of a number of medications first developed as a
chemotherapy drug
(a medication used in the treatment of cancer). It was discovered that — in addition to its usefulness in cancer — cyclophosphamide also has a significant ability to suppress the immune system.
What are side effects of Cytoxan?
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach ache, diarrhea, or darkening of the skin/nails
may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
What are the long term effects of Cytoxan?
The long-term side effects of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) are
damage to the bladder and the bone marrow
. Bladder cancer is a well-known risk and continues to arise at least 10-15 years after the drug was given.
How fast does cyclophosphamide work?
How soon will I feel the effects of cyclophosphamide? Like all DMARDs, it takes time to work. Its positive effects will likely start at
4-8 weeks
.
What is the most common side effect of cyclophosphamide?
Nausea, vomiting
, loss of appetite, stomach ache, diarrhea, or darkening of the skin/nails may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
When do Cytoxan side effects start?
Nausea and vomiting: more common with larger doses, usually beginning
6-10 hours after therapy
.
What is the strongest chemo drug?
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
is one of the most powerful chemotherapy drugs ever invented. It can kill cancer cells at every point in their life cycle, and it’s used to treat a wide variety of cancers.
Does cyclophosphamide make you tired?
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: pink/bloody urine, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, mouth sores, unusual tiredness or weakness, joint pain, easy bruising/bleeding, stopping of menstrual periods, existing wounds that are slow healing.
Can Cytoxan cause eye problems?
Cyclophosphamide can
also cause blurry vision and/or soreness of the eyes
. Always tell your doctor or nurse if you have soreness in the eyes or notice any changes in your vision.
How long does a Cytoxan infusion take?
Cytoxan takes an hour to infuse, but the entire treatment is a longer process and takes
five to six hours
. At HSS patients are given fluid for two hours prior to receiving the medication and for two hours afterwards.
How does Cytoxan help lupus?
Cytoxan is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. This means it
slows or stops the growth of malignant cells or other rapidly dividing cells
, such as white blood cells that attack your body during a lupus flare.
Is Cytoxan bad?
Cytoxan
suppresses production of blood cells from the bone marrow
, including white blood cells (leukopenia) which reduces the ability of the body to fight infection, red blood cells (anemia) which reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen, and platelets (thrombocytopenia), which impairs the ability of blood to clot.
Can Cytoxan cause kidney damage?
Blood in the urine warning: When cyclophosphamide is broken down by your body, it creates
substances that irritate your kidneys and bladder
. These substances can cause your kidneys or bladder to bleed.
How does Cytoxan work for kidneys?
Cyclophosphamide (brand name: Cytoxan) is a medication that lowers the body’s natural immunity. The immune system is thought to be involved in
causing Nephrotic Syndrome
. By lowering the immune system’s activity, this treatment may help patients suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome.
