Cyclophosphamide is a drug used to treat cancer, including lymphoma, leukemia, ovarian cancer, retinoblastoma, or breast cancer. In addition, this drug can also be used in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome.
Cyclophosphamide works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, thereby stopping the growth of cancer cells. This drug also works by suppressing the immune system or the immune system, so it can be used as an immunosuppressant drug in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome.
This drug is available in the form of injections and should only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital.
Cyclophosphamide trademark: Cyclophosphamide, Cyclophosphamide Monohydrate, Cyclovid
What is Cyclophosphamide
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Chemotherapy drugs or immunosuppressant drugs |
| Benefit | Treats cancer and is used in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome |
| Used by | Mature |
| Cyclophosphamide for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example to treat a life-threatening situation. Cyclophosphamide is absorbed into breast milk, so it should not be used during breastfeeding, until 1 week after treatment is completed. |
| Drug form | Injection |
Precautions Before Using Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital. There are several things that need to be considered before using this drug, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Cyclophosphamide should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or to other chemotherapy drugs, such as busulfan.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, difficulty urinating, heart disease, a weakened immune system, an infectious disease, or a bone marrow disorder that causes anemia, thrombocytopenia, or leukopenia.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have recently had surgery on your adrenal glands, undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment with cyclophosphamide for up to 4 months–1 year after completion of treatment.
- Do not breastfeed your baby while taking cyclophosphamide for up to 1 week after treatment is complete.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking cyclophosphamide if you plan to have dental treatment or surgery.
- As much as possible, avoid close contact with people with infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as the flu, while undergoing treatment with cyclophosphamide, because taking this drug can increase your risk of contracting it.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated while on cyclophosphamide treatment.
- Report to your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking cyclophosphamide..
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Cyclophosphamide
The dose of cyclophosphamide given by the doctor will be adjusted to the patient's condition. Cyclophosphamine will be injected into a vein (intravenous / IV). In general, the dosage is as follows:
- Condition: Cancer
Adults: The dose is 40–50 mg/kgBW in divided doses over 2–5 days and will be repeated after 2–5 weeks of treatment.
- Condition: Breast cancer
Adults: The dose is 600 mg/m2 body surface area (LPT), can be combined with other anticancer drugs.
- Condition: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Adults: The dose is 600–1,500 mg/m2 body surface area (LPT)
- Condition: nephrotic syndrome
Adult: The dose is 2–3 mg/kg, may be given for up to 12 weeks when treatment with corticosteroids is unsuccessful.
How to Use Cyclophosphamide Correctly
Cyclophosphamide injection will be given in the hospital. This medicine will be injected directly by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. Follow the doctor's instructions while on medication for maximum treatment effectiveness.
The doctor will inject the drug into the patient's vein. While using cyclophosphamide, patients are advised to drink lots of water so that they can urinate frequently. This is to prevent interference with the kidneys and bladder.
Continue to take medication as recommended by your doctor even if your condition improves. Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor first.
During treatment with cyclophosphamide, follow the medication schedule prescribed by your doctor. You will be asked to do regular blood tests, so that the response to therapy and your condition can be monitored properly.
Interaction of Cyclophosphamide and Other Drugs
The use of cyclophosphamide with other drugs can cause a number of drug interactions, namely:
- Increased risk of heart damage when used with doxorubicin
- Increased risk of developing blood disorders when used with drugs ACE inhibitor, natalizumab, zidovudine, or thiazide diuretics
- Increased risk of lung damage when used with amiodarone
- Increased risk of kidney damage when used with amphotericin B
- Increased risk of water poisoning when used with indomethacin
- Increased risk of liver damage when used with azathioprine
- Increased blood levels of cyclophosphamide which can increase the risk of irritation of the lining of the mouth and stomach (mucositis) when used with protease inhibitor drugs, such as ritonavir-lopinavir
- Increased risk of mucositis and small vein occlusion when used with busulfan
- Increased risk of developing brain disorders or encephalopathy when used with metronidazole
- Decreased work of the immune system when used with ciclosporin
- Increased risk of respiratory arrest (apnea) if used with muscle relaxants, such as suxamethonium
Side effects and the Dangers of Cyclophosphamide
Some of the side effects that may appear after using cyclophosphamide are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Skin and nails turn darker in color
- Hair loss
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Thrush in the mouth and tongue that is heavy and does not get better
- Disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract, which can be characterized by symptoms such as difficulty or inability to urinate, or urine that comes out little, or very infrequent urination
- Heart damage or heart disease, which can be characterized by swelling of the legs, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Anemia, which can be characterized by weakness, fatigue, lethargy, or pale skin
- Infectious disease, which can be characterized by fever or sore throat that does not improve
- Easy bruising, bloody stools, or black stools
- Severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or dark urine
- Mental and mood disorders
