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USES: This drug is one of a group of drugs known as "alkylating agents"; these drugs are also known as cancer drugs, chemotherapy, antineoplastics or "chemo". They are used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. A combination of different types of cancer drugs will often be used to achieve better results and minimize side effects. This medication has also been used to treat a variety of rheumatoid diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Cytoxan
Uses
This drug is one of a group of drugs known as "alkylating agents"; these drugs are also known as cancer drugs, chemotherapy, antineoplastics or "chemo". They are used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. A combination of different types of cancer drugs will often be used to achieve better results and minimize side effects. This medication has also been used to treat a variety of rheumatoid diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Notes
- Regular doctor visits are important.
- Frequent blood and urine tests will be done to monitor therapy and prevent side effects.
Storage
- Store tablets between 36 and 77 degrees F (between 2.2 and 25 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
- Store the powder for injection below 77 degrees F (below 25 degrees C).
- Refrigerate but do not freeze the oral solution.
Photos
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Cytoxan is one chemotherapeutic |
Cytoxan, 1200mg IV |
Cytoxan Tablet (Tab 50 mg) |
How To Use
- This is a potent medication.
- Use it exactly as prescribed.
- While you are using this medication, you must drink more fluid than usual and pass urine frequently.
- This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects.
- Ask your doctor how much you should drink and how often to empty your bladder each day and follow these instructions carefully.
- Do not stop using this medication, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting.
- If you vomit shortly after a dose, or if you miss a dose, contact your doctor.
Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, rash, hives, itch, stomach pain, darkening of skin/nails, headache, flushing or red face, sweating, or swollen lips are common side effects.
- Using the medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water may help relieve vomiting.
- Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limited activity may help lessen some of these effects.
- Temporary hair loss is another common side effect; normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
- If you notice pink or bloody urine, notify your doctor immediately.
- An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of any blood disorders, liver disease, kidney disease or allergies, including drug allergies.
- Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands for the duration of this treatment.
- Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.
- Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
- This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection.
- Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
- Cyclophosphamide is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Consult your doctor before using this drug.
- This drug is excreted into breast milk and should not be used while breast-feeding.
- Because this medication can affect the production of sperm in men, a reliable form of birth control is recommended while using this medication.
Missed Dose
- For optimal benefits, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed.
- If you miss a dose, inform your doctor.
- Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use including allopurinol, chloramphenicol, phenothiazines, chloroquine and succinylcholine.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Share
and Enjoy!
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| User Medicine Opinions for Cytoxan |
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| Overall: |
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| Low adverse
Reactions |
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| Healing
Power: |
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| No dependency problems: |
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| Cost-Benefit: |
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Sex:
F
Age: 43 Time Taken:
4 times
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| Reason: Breast cancer |
Date:
25 September 2005 |
Side Effects Complete hair loss, fingernails eventually fell off, violent nausea, fatigue, body aches, vomiting, depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, headache, loss of mental focus (inability to read, eg), shingles, mouth sores, fever (104 for two weeks), flu-like symptoms
Additional
Thoughts This is a barbaric drug. If I had it to do over, I would decline the chemo and live my life the best I could for as long as I could. It's a choice I wish I had made. I feel like chemo aged me by about fity years. (I took this as AC cocktail, so I don't know which drug caused which symptoms.)
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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