Cyclophosphamide: Your Comprehensive Guide

Summary or Key Points

Cyclophosphamide is a powerful medication primarily used in the treatment of various types of cancer. Its purpose is to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells in your body. However, it can cause side effects, some severe, and requires careful administration and monitoring. As always, consult with your healthcare provider, who you can quickly access via our telemedicine services, before starting or adjusting your medication.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide)

‘Generic name’ refers to the active ingredient found in the medication, which in this case is stated in parenthesis (Cyclophosphamide). It’s the standard, universally recognized name, regardless of the brand under which it’s sold.

Pharmacologic Category

Cyclophosphamide belongs to a class of medications known as alkylating agents, along with other drugs such as Chlorambucil, Melphalan, and Ifosfamide.

Dosing

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dose. You can reach one of our healthcare providers quickly via telemedicine for these consultations. Here are the diseases Cyclophosphamide is indicated to treat in adults, along with the usual dosage and duration of treatment:

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: 750-1500 mg/m2 IV every 2-3 weeks, for 6-8 cycles.
• Breast Cancer: 600-1000 mg/m2 IV every 2-3 weeks, for 6 cycles.
• Ovarian Cancer: 500-750 mg/m2 IV every 3-4 weeks, for 6-8 cycles.
• Neuroblastoma: 1000-1500 mg/m2 IV every 3-4 weeks, for 6-8 cycles.
• Multiple Myeloma: 500-1500 mg/m2 IV every 2-4 weeks, for 6-8 cycles.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Cyclophosphamide is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Oral tablets: 25 mg and 50 mg.
• Injection solution: 500 mg, 1 g, and 2 g vials.

Administration Instructions

Cyclophosphamide is administered either orally or intravenously. The method of administration is determined by your healthcare provider and depends on your specific condition and response to therapy. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking this medication.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Cyclophosphamide may cause side effects. While not everyone experiences these, it’s important to be aware and contact your healthcare provider if they occur. Through our telemedicine service, our healthcare providers are ready to assist you.

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite.
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Hair loss, changes in skin color.
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Sores in the mouth and on lips, shortness of breath.
• Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Unusual bleeding or bruising, severe tiredness.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. It’s essential to know the contraindications for Cyclophosphamide, as using it in these conditions can lead to severe health problems:

• Known allergy to Cyclophosphamide or its ingredients: Using the medication can lead to serious allergic reactions.
• Severe bone marrow suppression: Cyclophosphamide can further decrease blood cell counts, increasing infection risk or causing anemia or bleeding.
• Pregnancy: Cyclophosphamide can harm the unborn baby (see the section on Pregnancy for more details).

Drug to Drug Interactions

Several medications may interact with Cyclophosphamide, including:

• Phenobarbital (Luminal): May decrease the effectiveness of Cyclophosphamide.
• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven): Cyclophosphamide may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with this blood thinner.

Cyclophosphamide in Pregnancy

Cyclophosphamide is not safe to take during pregnancy. It is classified as a pregnancy category D drug, meaning there is positive evidence of human fetal risk. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and alternative options if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Cyclophosphamide while Breastfeeding

Cyclophosphamide passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to breastfeed while using this medication. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Estimated Cost of Medication

As of today, the estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Cyclophosphamide using a GoodRX coupon, without insurance, is approximately $60 for oral tablets. Prices can vary based on the pharmacy and location.

Possible Alternatives

It’s essential to remember to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Here are potential alternatives for the diseases mentioned:

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Other treatments include Rituximab (Rituxan) and Radioimmunotherapy. Lifestyle changes include maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Breast Cancer: Other treatments include Paclitaxel (Taxol) and Doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Regular self-exams and mammograms can help detect changes early.
• Ovarian Cancer: Other treatments include Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Paclitaxel (Taxol). Regular gynecological check-ups can aid early detection.
• Neuroblastoma: Other treatments include Dinutuximab (Unituxin) and Topotecan (Hycamtin). There are no specific lifestyle changes for this rare disease, but supportive care is essential.
• Multiple Myeloma: Other treatments include Lenalidomide (Revlimid) and Bortezomib (Velcade). Maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking may be beneficial.

Recent Updates on Cyclophosphamide Research

Recent research suggests that low-dose Cyclophosphamide could improve the effectiveness of certain immunotherapies. An ongoing clinical trial is studying the combination of Cyclophosphamide with a new targeted cancer vaccine in treating metastatic pancreatic cancer. As new research emerges, we will continue to update you on developments regarding Cyclophosphamide. Remember, our telemedicine services are always available to discuss new treatment options and how they might apply to your situation.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.