Cyclophosphamide (Non-Cancer)

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
		Adult

Cyclophosphamide (Non-Cancer) - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

If you are on infusion: Medication may be given before the infusion to prevent these side effects.
If you are on oral medication: Take medication after food to minimise the side effects. Sucking hard, sugar-free candy may reduce nausea and vomiting.

Drink plenty of water (at least 2 litres per day, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor)

Infection: symptoms include colds, sinusitis, urinary tract infections and skin infections

If you develop a fever, sore throat or feel generally unwell, see a doctor immediately. The doctor whom you consult should be told that you are on cyclophosphamide.

It is important to monitor the effects of your treatment. For your safety, you need to do regular blood tests for monitoring.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Some rare but serious side effects include:

Combined low blood cell count (symptoms include infection, feeling very tired or weak, bleeding)
Liver injury (symptoms include yellowing of eye whites or skin, dark or tea-coloured urine or constant abdominal pain)
Hemorrhagic cystitis, a condition where the breakdown substance of cyclophosphamide irritate the bladder (symptoms include blood in the urine, bladder pain)

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Cyclophosphamide may also cause:

Severe infections such as fungal infection, activation of tuberculosis and hepatitis B
Increase risk
Infertility in both men and women using the medication
Birth defect and miscarriage in woman using the medication
Increase the risk of certain cancers such as bladder cancer. You may be more at risk if you are also taking certain immunosuppressant. Your doctor will monitor you on any signs of cancer.

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
You are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter medicines, supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

Avoid overcrowded places and stay away from people who are sick to prevent getting an infection.
Reactivation of infection such as tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B may happen when you are on medication, hence, your doctor will check for such infection before starting cyclophosphamide.
Both men and women of childbearing age should use a reliable method of contraception to avoid an unplanned pregnancy during an a few months after stopping or completing cyclophosphamide. If you are planning to have a child, discuss it with your doctor before you begin the treatment.

Avoid eating raw, undercooked or half-cooked food.
Pneumococcal and influenza (flu) vaccinations are safe and may be given if required. Avoid live vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), OPV (oral polio vaccine), yellow fever or BCG (tuberculosis). Discuss with your doctor before receiving any vaccines. Also, direct contact with persons who have taken oral polio vaccine or those with infections should be avoided.