ADAP drugs: cyclophosphamide

cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar)

Drug description

Cyclophosphamide is a cancer treatment, and is used to treat Hodgkin’s disease, lymphomas, leukemias, and a variety of other tumors. Unlabeled uses include treatment of severe active rheumatoid arthritis, and the drug also has immunosuppressant action in smaller doses.

Side effects
Heart inflammation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, thrombocytopenia (decreased number of blood platelets), and leukopenia (lower than normal number of white blood cells). Use of phenobarbital, rifampin, or allopurinol at the same time may increase toxicity. Cardiotoxicity may be additive with other cardiotoxic agents such as doxorubicin. Treatment with cyclophosphamide may decrease antibody response to live virus vaccines and increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Dosage
Cyclophosphamide should not be used in pregnant or breast feeding women. It should be used cautiously if there are active infections, bone marrow depression, or chronic debilitating illnesses. The drug should be administered on an empty stomach, unless severe gastric irritation develops. Cyclophosphamide is given intravenously in a dilute solution of 100 mg over 1 minute.

How long it may take to work
Effectiveness of the drug is seen if there is a decrease in size or spread of malignant tumors. Maintenance therapy may be instituted if your white blood cell count remains between 2500-4000 and you don’t suffer serious side effects. Maintenance treatment means you keep taking the drug to control an infection so that you don't become ill.

Managing side effects
To reduce risk of cystitis, adults should drink at least 3 quarts of fluids per day and children should drink 1-2 quarts of fluid per day. Avoid intramuscular injections and rectal temperatures. Antiemetics may be given 1/2 hour before administration of drug to minimize intestinal effects. Compazine and Dramamine are antiemetics. There are others. Your doctor will prescribe the best one for you. The drug is best tolerated when taken during or after meals.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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