Cyclophosphamide (CytoxanÒ)
(sye-klo-FOS-fuh-myde)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs| Contact us
What is cyclophosphamide?
Cyclophosphamide is a drug used to treat certain types of cancer. It is also used to treat a variety of other disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, nephritic syndrome and multiple sclerosis. If you are not sure why your child has been prescribed this medication please ask your child doctor to explain the diagnosis and reason for treatment to you. Cyclophospahmide may be given intravenously (IV), or as a tablet that may be taken orally.
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Special Instructions
- Have your child drink large amounts of fluid and urinate often while taking this medication. This will help keep the drug from causing damage to your child's bladder.
- This drug is often given in combination with another drug called Mesna which can also help prevent damage to your child's bladder.
- If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Hair loss
- Tiredness
- Nasal stuffiness and congestion
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling of the hands and / or feet
- Sore throat / mouth or difficulty swallowing
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Sever throat or mouth pain, or difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Difficulty urinating and/or blood in the urine
- Changes in the color of urine or stool
- Bleeding or easy bruising
- Difficulty breathing
- Yellowing of skin and / or eyes
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Patient Education Program V 5015 5/01
rev. 9/05, 08/07
