Lymphoma Information Network - Cyclophosphamide / Cytoxan

Lymphoma Information Network - Hodgkin's Disease and the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas

Site Navigation		Chemotherapy - Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

Cyclophosphamide (brand names Cytoxan, Neosar in the US, cytoxan or procytox in Canada) is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and other forms of cancer. For NHL it is more often than not given in conjunction with other chemotherapy agents in a multidrug regimen. This drug is an alkalyzing agent, disrupting cancer growth.

Before taking this medicine: Inform the doctor if you have had heart problems or lung disease. It should not be taken while pregnant and not while breast feeding without your doctors' advise. This drug can affect fertility - you may wish to discuss this with your doctor.

While taking this medicine: It is important to keep in close contact with the doctor who will monitor dosage and effects. If you have surgery or emergency treatment, tell the doctor/dentist you are taking or have taken this medication. Drinking of fluids, up to 2 liters (quarts) a day is encouraged to prevent urinary tract damage. Stay away from those who have infectious diseases - this drug lowers resistance to infection.

Short Term Side Effects: Common: nausea and vomiting (ask your doctor about drugs to counteract nausea), diarrhea, menstrual irregularity, alopecia (hair loss), fatigue, darkening of nails or skin; Less Common: check with your doctor if bruising or unusual bleeding occurs, cough/shortness of breath/breathing problems, fever, chills, sore throat.

Long Term Side Effects: hair loss (alopecia) during use - hair growth should return after treatment. This drug has been known to affect fertility.

Some of the Regimens using Cyclophosphamide:

CHOP (Non-Hodgkin's - the letter "C")

Cyclophosphamide Reference Links:

Information on injectable cyclophosphamide and cyclophosphamide tablets from Healthtouch (US)
Information sheet from CanCareSA (Australia)
Information sheet from Cancerbackup (UK) (new name)
Information sheet from Tirgan Oncology (US)
Information on Alkalating Agents including cyclophosphamide from UNMC (mid-page)
Cyclophosphamide induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis - Journal of Urology Vol 161 No. 6 June 1999

Manufacturer:

Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology
Customer Service: (609) 897-2000
P.O. Box 4500 Princeton , New Jersey 08543-4500

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature. Please consult with a doctor or the literature provided with the drug packaging if you need specific information on a drug. The author is not responsible for missing or inaccurate information and the reader assumes full responsibility for their actions. As always, please consult with medical personnel before undertaking any medical treatment.

For more information on Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages:

Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Chemotherapy

Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment

Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Information Pages

The Main Page - gateway to support and more

The Lymphoma Information Network

This page is a work in progress - if you have more complete information, references, or other information please contact the author. The author is not in the medical field and does not warrant the correctness of the material on this page or the sites linked - please take online information and consult with your own medical team to make informed decisions.

Chemotherapy - Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)