What is the cyclophosphamide used for?
Cyclophosphamide is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. When cyclophosphamide is used to treat cancer, it works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body. When cyclophosphamide is used to treat nephrotic syndrome, it works by suppressing your body’s immune system.
What are the side effects of cyclophosphamide?
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach ache, diarrhea, or darkening of the skin/nails may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
What cancers are cyclophosphamide used in?
Cyclophosphamide is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. It may sometimes be used to treat other cancers. It is best to read this information with our general information about chemotherapy and the type of cancer you have.
What is the mechanism of action of cyclophosphamide?
The mechanism of action is thought to involve cross-linking of tumor cell DNA. Cyclophosphamide is well absorbed after oral administration with a bioavailability greater than 75%. The unchanged drug has an elimination half-life of 3 to 12 hours.
How should I take cyclophosphamide?
Cyclophosphamide comes as a tablet to take by mouth once a day. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer or condition you have. Take cyclophosphamide at around the same time every day.
Is cyclophosphamide dialyzable?
Cyclophosphamide and its metabolites are dialyzable although there are probably quantitative differences depending upon the dialysis system being used. In patients requiring dialysis, use of a consistent interval between Cyclophosphamide administration and dialysis should be considered.