Cytoxan

A cancer drug called Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) prevents the growth and metastasis of cancer cells in the body.

Leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and bladder cancer are among the cancers that can be treated with cytoxan.

Health Benefits

It has been demonstrated that cytoxan is effective in the treatment of various cancers.

Cytoxan was found to reduce the risk of the cancer returning by 50% in a study of women with ovarian cancer.

Cytoxan was discovered to be successful in treating bladder cancer in another study.

Side Effects

Serious negative effects of cytoxan include:

nauseous and dizzy

diarrhea

constipation

stomach cramps or ache

appetite lossor weight loss

a state of weakness or fatigue

headache

dizziness

drowsiness

fuzzy vision

hearing rings

fever

chills

body pains

Other less severe side effects of cytoxan include:

nausea or vomiting that is mild

mild constipation or diarrhea

light stomach cramps or pain

slight headache or vertigo

mild fatigue or drowsiness

Stop taking Cytoxan and get emergency help if you experience any of the following severe side effects, or call your doctor right away. severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; bloody stool; coughing up blood; mouth sores; skin sores; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; hives); white stains inside of your mouth

Dosages

The following dosages of cytoxan are offered:

Tablets of 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg

injection solution at 5 mg/mL

100–200 mg per day of Cytoxan is advised for the treatment of ovarian cancer. For bladder cancer, a daily dose of 50–100 mg is advised.

Your doctor might start you on a low dose of Cytoxan and then gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects. Carefully adhere to your doctor's instructions. Never take Cytoxan in excess of what your doctor has advised.

You can administer cyclophosphamide intravenously or orally (by mouth, into a vein).

Interactions

Cytoxan may interact with other drugs, supplements, or herbal remedies you may be taking. This might make your chances of experiencing side effects higher or make your medication less effective. Tell your doctor about all the medications, herbs, and vitamins you are taking to prevent drug interactions. If you are taking any of the following medications, avoid taking Cytoxan:

Benemid (probenecid)

Anturane (sulfinpyrazone)

orindase (tobibutamide)

A few foods can interact with cytoxan. Therefore, before taking Cytoxan, it's crucial to discuss any food allergies or sensitivities you might have with your doctor.

Pregnancy and Cytoxan

Cytoxan is a Pregnancy Category D drug, meaning it could harm a fetus that is still developing. Consult your doctor before taking Cytoxan if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Whether Cytoxan enters breast milk is unknown. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking Cytoxan if you are breastfeeding or intend to do so.

Mechanism of Action

Cytoxan works by limiting the development of cancer cells and halting their metastasis. Cytoxan also functions by eradicating cancer cells' DNA, which stops them from procreating.

The drug class known as alkylating agents includes cytoxan. Alkylating agents function by attaching to DNA and rupturing the DNA strands. The cancer cell ultimately perishes as a result of this.

Pharmacokinetics

Cytoxan is quickly absorbed from the digestive system and reaches its peak levels in 1-2 hours. Cytoxan has a half-life of 4-6 hours.

Storage

Between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (15 and 30 degrees Celsius) is the recommended storage range for cytoxan. Keep out of the sun, moisture, and heat. Keep out of the bathroom. Keep Cytoxan out of pets' reach and out of children's reach.

Alternatives to Cytoxan

Cytoxan has a number of substitutes, including:

• Vaccinium toxoid (Avastin)
• (Xeloda) Capecitabine
• (Paraplatin) Carboplatin
• (Platinol) Cisplatin
• (Taxotere) Docetaxel
• (Ellence) Epirubicin