Brand Names: Cytoxan, Cytoxan Lyophilized, Neosar

Generic Name: cyclophosphamide (oral/injection) (Pronunciation: sye kloe FOSS fah mide)

• What is cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?
• What are the possible side effects of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?
• What is the most important information I should know about cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?
• How should I take cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Cytoxan)?
• What happens if I overdose (Cytoxan)?
• What should I avoid while taking cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?
• What other drugs will affect cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?

Cyclophosphamide is a cancer (chemotherapeutic) medication. Cyclophosphamide interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Cyclophosphamide is used to treat several types of cancer. Cyclophosphamide is also used to treat certain cases of nephrotic syndrome (kidney disease) in children.

Cyclophosphamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Cyclophosphamide 25 mg-ROX

round, blue, imprinted with 54 639

Cyclophosphamide 50 mg-ROX

round, blue, imprinted with 54 980

Cytoxan 25 mg

round, white/blue specks, imprinted with 25, MJ 504

Cytoxan 50 mg

round, white/blue specks, imprinted with 50, MJ 503

What are the possible side effects of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
• blood in the urine;
• black or tarry stools;
• painful or difficult urination;
• signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• lower back or side pain;
• chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling;
• unusual bleeding or bruising; or
• changes in bone marrow function (detected by blood tests).

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

• nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
• mouth sores;
• abdominal pain;
• diarrhea;
• temporary hair loss;
• temporary or permanent sterility;
• rash;
• changes in skin color; or
• changes in nails.

In some cases, secondary cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with cyclophosphamide. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?

Cyclophosphamide should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of cyclophosphamide including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); bladder problems; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with cyclophosphamide.

In some cases, secondary cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with cyclophosphamide. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.