$Unique_ID{BRK01913}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE}
$Subject{Cytoxan (Bristol Myers USP)}
$Volume{}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Cytoxan (Bristol Myers USP)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antineoplastic (anticancer drug)
INGREDIENT:
     cyclophosphamide
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (25 mg and 50 mg)
STORAGE:
     Cyclophosphamide should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Cyclophosphamide belongs to a group of drugs known as alkylating agents
or nitrogen mustards.  It is used to treat a variety of cancers.
Cyclophosphamide works by binding to the rapidly growing cancer cells,
preventing their multiplication and growth.  This drug has also been used as
an immunosuppressant to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis.

TREATMENT

     In order to obtain maximum benefit, you should take cyclophosphamide on
an empty stomach.  However, if stomach upset occurs, you can take it with food
or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The timing of the doses of this anticancer medication is important.  Be
sure you completely understand your doctor's instructions on how and when this
medication should be taken.  Try not to miss any doses.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, do not take the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next
dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects may
disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.  However, it is important to
continue taking this medication despite the nausea and vomiting that may
occur.  Cyclophosphamide also causes hair loss, which is reversible when the
medication is stopped.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blood in the urine, chills, cough, darkening of the skin or fingernails,
difficult or painful urination, fever, menstrual irregularities, mouth sores,
sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     This drug interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. It can decrease the absorption of digoxin from the gastrointestinal
tract.
     2. Phenobarbital can increase the side effects of cyclophosphamide.
     3. Concurrent use of allopurinol, chloramphenicol, chlorpromazine, or
thiazide diuretics (water pills) with cyclophosphamide can lead to bone marrow
suppression.
     4. It can increase the effect of warfarin (blood thinner).
     Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to cyclophosphamide.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you have ever had blood disorders, chronic or recurrent infections, gout,
kidney disease, or liver disease.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Cyclophosphamide tablets contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (fainting, shortness of
breath, rash) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * You should not receive any immunizations or vaccinations while taking
this medication.  Cyclophosphamide decreases the effectiveness of the vaccine
and may result in an infection if a live-virus vaccine is administered.
     * It is important to drink plenty of fluids (three quarts each day) while
taking this medication.  If the drug is allowed to concentrate in the bladder,
it can cause bloody urine and can damage the kidneys or bladder.
     * This medication can lower your platelet count, which can decrease your
body's ability to form blood clots.  You should, therefore, be especially
careful while brushing your teeth, flossing, or using toothpicks, razors, or
fingernail scissors.  Try to avoid falls and other injuries.
     * This drug can decrease fertility in both men and women.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Birth defects have
been reported in both animals and humans whose mothers received
cyclophosphamide during pregnancy.  The risks should be discussed with your
doctor.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Since
the drug passes into breast milk, a woman should stop breast-feeding before
starting cyclophosphamide therapy.
     * Women of childbearing potential who are not already pregnant when
treatment with cyclophosphamide is begun need to use some sort of birth
control to prevent pregnancy from occurring.  However, oral contraceptives
(birth control pills) may not be recommended by your doctor since they may
interfere with this medication.  Consult with your physician about alternative
methods of birth control.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
