Cytoxan
(cyclophosphamide)
Treats various cancers and kidney disorders.
Our bottom line
As with all chemotherapy, Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) has many side effects but is also very effective against different cancers.
- 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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What to expect from cyclophosphamide, on one page
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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What to expect from cyclophosphamide, on one page
Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) works by stopping cancer cells from multiplying.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cyclophosphamide)
Used for
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Neuroblastoma
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon$32.65
- CostcoGet free coupon$35.30
What to expect when you take Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) for Cancer / Kidney problems
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- 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
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking cyclophosphamide for null
- Low blood cell count
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Hair loss
- Skin rash
- Skin discoloration
- Heart attack
- Changes in heartbeat
- Birth defect
- Deafness
- Ringing in the ears
- Changes in vision
- Sores or white patches in mouth
- Eyelid swelling
- Changes in hair and nails
- Excessive tearing
- Inflammation of pancreas
- Urinary problems
- Liver disease
- Immunosuppression
- Serious allergic reaction
- Increased risk of infection
- Swelling throughout the body
- Other cancers
- Swelling of the brain
- Dizziness
- Kidney disease
- Infertility
- Lung disease
- Serious skin rash
- Flushing
- Blood clots
- Changes in blood pressure
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?- 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.
- 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.