Cyclophosphamide injection is a prescription medication used to treat several types of cancer. Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissue. This disease is caused by changes in DNA. Cyclophosphamide is also used to treat minimal change nephrotic syndrome (kidney disease) in children who cannot use other treatments or when other treatments have failed. Cyclophosphamide is a white crystalline powder constituted into a solution for injection. The active ingredient in Cyclophosphamide injection is cyclophosphamide monohydrate. Cyclophosphamide monohydrate belongs to a class of drugs called alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body to treat cancer. The drug works by suppressing the body’s immune system to treat nephrotic syndrome.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Cyclophosphamide from Canada manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb (discontinued) in the strength of 1000 mg powder for solution for injection. There is no generic equivalent for this drug.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while receiving Cyclophosphamide injection. The most common side effects of Cyclophosphamide injection may include the following:
• Fever;
• Hair loss;
• Low blood cell counts;
• Missed menstrual periods;
• Mouth sores
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• A wound that will not heal;
• Bloody or tarry stools;
• Breathing difficulties, especially when lying down;
• New worsening cough;
• Pain or burning when urinating
These are not all of the side effects of Cyclophosphamide injection. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not receive Cyclophosphamide injection if you are allergic to Cyclophosphamide monohydrate or any ingredient in Cyclophosphamide injection. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctors about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Are receiving other cancer treatments or radiation;
• Have a weak immune system;
• Have bladder obstruction;
• Have heart disease;
• Have kidney disease or are on dialysis;
• Have liver disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Cyclophosphamide injection and aprepitant, busulfan, fluconazole, allopurinol, ondansetron, natalizumab, etc. Avoid anthracyclines, pentostatin, amiodarone, azathioprine, or indomethacin with Cyclophosphamide injection. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Cyclophosphamide may harm a fetus if the mother or father is using the drug. If you are a woman, use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy and for at least one year after your last dose. If you are a man, use effective birth control if your partner can get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 4 months after your last dose. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Cyclophosphamide passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while using this medicine. Cyclophosphamide may affect fertility in both men and women. It is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause you to stop having menstrual periods. Your periods should return to normal within a few months after you stop using Cyclophosphamide. Older women may experience early menopause. Use Cyclophosphamide injection precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will administer a Cyclophosphamide injection as an infusion into your vein. Drink plenty of liquids each day to prevent harmful effects on your bladder. This drug affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. This drug may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or any hazardous activity until you know how Cyclophosphamide affects you. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.