CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE

Drug Name: CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE DESCRIPTION:
CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE - ORAL, INJECTION (sye-klo-FOSS-fuh-mide)

COMMON CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE BRAND NAME(S):
Cytoxan, Neosar

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, rash, hives, itch, stomach pain, darkening of skin/nails, headache, flushing or red face, sweating, or swollen lips are common side effects. Using the medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limited activity may help lessen some of these effects. Temporary hair loss is another common side effect; normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: pink or bloddy uring. An allergic reaction to CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE:
CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE: This is a powerful medication. Use it exactly as prescribed. While you are using CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, you must drink more fluid than usual and pass urine frequently. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects. Ask your doctor how much you should drink and how often to empty your bladder each day and follow these instructions carefully. Do not stop using CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting. If you vomit shortly after a dose, or if you miss a dose, contact your doctor.

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE USES:
Cyclophosphamide is used to treat different types of cancer.

OTHER USES OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE:
CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE may also be used to treat a variety of rheumatoid diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and has other uses as determined by your doctor.

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands for the duration of this treatment. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Cyclophosphamide is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE. CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE is excreted into breast milk and should not be used while breast-feeding. Because CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE can affect the production of sperm in men, a reliable form of birth control is recommended while using CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE.

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use, including: allopurinol, chloramphenicol, phenothiazines, chloroquine, succinylcholine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE OVERDOSE:
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.

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE NOTES:
Regular doctor visits are important. Frequent blood and urine tests will be done to monitor therapy and prevent side effects.

MISSED CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE DOSE:
For optimal benefits, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE as directed. If you miss a dose, inform your doctor. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE STORAGE:
Store tablets between 36 and 77 degrees F (between 2.2 and 25 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Store the powder for injection below 77 degrees F (below 25 degrees C). Refrigerate but do not freeze the oral solution. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.