Cytoxan

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

blood disorders

nfection

kidney disease

liver disease

recent or ongoing radiation therapy

an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclophosphamide, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

mibefradil

nalidixic acid

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

doxorubicin

etanercept

medicines to increase blood counts like filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim

medicines that block muscle or nerve pain

St. John's Wort

phenobarbital

succinylcholine chloride

trastuzumab

vaccines

Talk to your doctor or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:

acetaminophen

aspirin

buprofen

ketoprofen

naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Drink water or other fluids as directed. Urinate often, even at night.
In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
Men should inform their doctor if they wish to father a child. This medicine may lower sperm counts.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.

signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine

signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine

signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness

breathing problems

dark urine

mouth sores

swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

weight gain

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

changes in nail or skin color

diarrhea

hair loss

loss of appetite

missed menstrual periods

nausea, vomiting

stomach pain

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature at or below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). This medicine can be stored at room temperatures of up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for a short time. Protect from temperatures above 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.