Skip to main content

Cyclophosphamide Oral Tablet (CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • autoimmune disorder
  • kidney disease
  • cancer

Generic Name: Cyclophosphamide

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

Take the medicine with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Avoid touching any powder from a broken tablet. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Always wash your hands after handling this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 1 week after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while using this medicine and for 1 year after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • hair loss
  • nausea and vomiting
  • darkening of skin or nails
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • chest pain
  • changes in memory, mood, or thinking
  • confusion
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fever or chills
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • pain in the joints
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
  • mouth sores or irritation
  • muscle cramps or weakness
  • shortness of breath
  • sore throat
  • light colored stool
  • dark, tarry stool
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain
  • slow wound healing

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.