Cytoxan
(cyclophosphamide)
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Treats various cancers and kidney disorders.
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Our bottom line
As with all chemotherapy, Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) has many side effects but is also very effective against different cancers.
Quick facts about cyclophosphamide
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cyclophosphamide)
Upsides
- Effective when used in combination with other anticancer agents or by itself against blood cancers and a kidney disease known as minimal change nephrotic syndrome.
- Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) is one of the most well-known medications for cancer, so doctors know what to expect.
- Available in generic and in both a pill or as an injection.
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Downsides
- Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) can seriously damage the kidneys.
- Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) can cause many different side effects throughout the body.
- Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) is more likely to cause nausea and vomiting compared to other chemotherapy drugs.
- Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) can cause infertility.
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Download Fact SheetHow it works
Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) works by stopping cancer cells from multiplying.
Quick facts about cyclophosphamide
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cyclophosphamide)
Used for
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Neuroblastoma
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.What to expect when you take Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) for Cancer / Kidney problems
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- Effectiveness
- Full effects
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- Possible side effects
- Hair loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Urinary problems
- Low blood cell count
- Sores or white patches in mouth
- Changes in hair and nails
Side effect rates for Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
Risks and Warnings for Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) can affect different blood cells which weakens your immune system. You might feel more tired, be at risk of infections and bleed or bruise more easily. Your doctor will do regular blood tests, or give you antibiotics to protect you from infections.
Common concerns from people taking Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Kidneys and liver
- Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) can cause kidney or bladder problems or make you at risk of getting kidney infections. To stop this from happening, you should drink plenty of liquids and urinate often. If you have pink or red urine or pain on urination, tell your doctor right away.
- Effective when used in combination with other anticancer agents or by itself against blood cancers and a kidney disease known as minimal change nephrotic syndrome.
- Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) can seriously damage the kidneys.
Weight
- Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) can cause liver damage. You're more likely to have this if you're taking certain other chemotherapy drugs or getting radiation throughout your entire body. If you have sudden weight gain, swelling of your stomach, fluid build up in your abdomen, yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools, talk to your doctor right away.