Cytoxan
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Cytoxan
Cytoxan Side Effects Center
Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) is used to treat several types of cancer. Cytoxan is also used to treat certain cases of nephrotic syndrome (kidney disease) in children. It is a cancer (chemotherapeutic) medication. Common side effects include nausea or vomiting (may be severe), loss of appetite, stomach ache, diarrhea, or darkening of the skin/nails.
In treatment of cancer, the initial course of Cytoxan is usually of 40 to 50 mg/kg given intravenously (IV) in divided doses over a period of 2 to 5 days. Other intravenous regimens include 10 to 15 mg/kg given every 7 to 10 days or 3 to 5 mg/kg twice weekly. Oral Cytoxan dosing is usually in the range of 1 to 5 mg/kg/day for both initial and maintenance dosing. For non-malignant disease an oral dose of 2.5 to 3 mg/kg daily for a period of 60 to 90 days is recommended. Cytoxan may interact with phenobarbital, allopurinol, digoxin, warfarin, thiazide diuretics (water pills), other chemotherapy medicines, or "live" vaccines. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Cytoxan is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause harm to a fetus. Women of childbearing age and men should use birth control during treatment and for some period afterwards. This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Our Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is Patient Information in Detail?
Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.
Cytoxan in Detail - Patient Information: Side Effects
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 entire detailed patient monograph for Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) »
What is Patient Information Overview?
A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.
Cytoxan Overview - Patient Information: Side Effects
Temporary hair loss may occur. Hair growth should return after treatment has ended or may even return during treatment. However, new hair may have a different color or texture.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
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.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: black/bloody stools, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness/spasm, swelling of the ankles/feet, sudden or unusual weight gain.
This medication may rarely cause very serious effects on the heart, especially when used in high doses, or in combination with radiation treatment or certain other chemotherapy drugs (e.g., doxorubicin). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat.
This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills or persistent sore throat.
Cyclophosphamide may lessen the chance of having children in both men and women. Sterility is usually temporary with this medication, but can be permanent in some cases. Consult your doctor for more details.
Although cyclophosphamide is used to treat cancer, in some patients it may increase the risk of developing another form of cancer, sometimes months to years after treatment. Consult your doctor for more details. It is important to be closely monitored by your doctor during treatment. You should also see your doctor regularly after treatment is finished. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: unusual growths or lumps, swollen glands, unexplained or sudden weight loss, night sweats, pain in the pelvis, painful or frequent urination.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Read the entire patient information overview for Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide)»
What is Prescribing information?
The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.
Cytoxan FDA Prescribing Information: Side Effects
(Adverse Reactions)
SIDE EFFECTS
Information on adverse reactions associated with the use of CYTOXAN (cyclophosphamide) is arranged according to body system affected or type of reaction. The adverse reactions are listed in order of decreasing incidence. The most serious adverse reactions are described in the WARNINGS section.
Reproductive System
See WARNINGS for information on impairment of fertility.
Digestive System
Nausea and vomiting commonly occur with cyclophosphamide therapy. Anorexia and, less frequently, abdominal discomfort or pain and diarrhea may occur. There are isolated reports of hemorrhagic colitis, oral mucosal ulceration and jaundice occurring during therapy. These adverse drug effects generally remit when cyclophosphamide treatment is stopped.
Skin and Its Structures
Alopecia occurs commonly in patients treated with cyclophosphamide. The hair can be expected to grow back after treatment with the drug or even during continued drug treatment, though it may be different in texture or color. Skin rash occurs occasionally in patients receiving the drug. Pigmentation of the skin and changes in nails can occur. Very rare reports of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been received during postmarketing surveillance; due to the nature of spontaneous adverse event reporting, a definitive causal relationship to cyclophosphamide has not been established.
Hematopoietic System
Leukopenia occurs in patients treated with cyclophosphamide, is related to the dose of drug, and can be used as a dosage guide. Leukopenia of less than 2000 cells/mm3 develops commonly in patients treated with an initial loading dose of the drug, and less frequently in patients maintained on smaller doses. The degree of neutropenia is particularly important because it correlates with a reduction in resistance to infections. Fever without documented infection has been reported in neutropenic patients.
Thrombocytopenia or anemia develop occasionally in patients treated with CYTOXAN (cyclophosphamide) . These hematologic effects usually can be reversed by reducing the drug dose or by interrupting treatment. Recovery from leukopenia usually begins in 7 to 10 days after cessation of therapy.
Urinary System
See WARNINGS for information on cystitis and urinary bladder fibrosis.
Hemorrhagic ureteritis and renal tubular necrosis have been reported to occur in patients treated with cyclophosphamide. Such lesions usually resolve following cessation of therapy.
Infections
See WARNINGS for information on reduced host resistance to infections.
Carcinogenesis
See WARNINGS for information on carcinogenesis.
Respiratory System
Interstitial pneumonitis has been reported as part of the postmarketing experience. Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis has been reported in patients receiving high doses of cyclophosphamide over a prolonged period.
Other
Anaphylactic reactions have been reported; death has also been reported in association with this event. Possible cross-sensitivity with other alkylating agents has been reported. SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion) has been reported with the use of cyclophosphamide. Malaise and asthenia have been reported as part of the postmarketing experience.
Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) »
Additional Cytoxan Information
Cytoxan - User Reviews
Cytoxan User Reviews
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Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Cytoxan sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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