Cyclophosphamide: how to take it safely
Endoxan, Cytoxan
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats some cancers (such as lymphoma and breast cancer), and some immune conditions such as lupus.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow tablets with water, or it is given by drip.
- Drink plenty of fluids and pass urine often to protect the bladder.
When to take it
Take it in the morning, at the times your specialist told you.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Not drinking enough fluids. This protects the bladder.
- Pregnancy and fathering a child during treatment. Use reliable contraception and ask your team how long to continue it.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, low blood counts.
Get help if
Blood in the urine, pain passing urine, fever, signs of infection or unusual bleeding: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.