National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institutes of Health

Patient Information Sheet #16, Cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide

  

Cyclophosphamide is a drug used to treat a number of cancers, and it is used to treat patients with lupus when major organs, such as the kidneys, are affected. It is also used to treat severe inflammation that has not responded to corticosteroids. In lupus, the immune system is too active. Cyclophosphamide slows down the immune system so that disease activity can be reduced.

Cyclophosphamide is a very powerful drug. It can have a number of effects on the body. As a result, it is important that you understand how it is used to treat your lupus. You will need to work closely with your doctor and nurse to make sure that the amount of the drug you are taking gives you the benefits you need with as few side effects as possible.

INSTRUCTIONS

The brand name of your cyclophosphamide is: ______________________________

The strength or dose of the cyclophosphamide ordered for you is: _______________

Take the cyclophosphamide __________ time(s) per day.

The best time(s) to take your cyclophosphamide: ____________________________

Drink at least 2 quarts of water every day while taking this drug. That is equal to four big (16-oz.) glasses.

Additional instructions:
 

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

These include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, fatigue, temporary hair loss, unusual bleeding or blood in the urine, shortness of breath, loss of menstrual periods, impotence, sterility, or signs of infection (such as increased temperature, sore throat, or flu symptoms).

Tell your nurse or doctor right away if you have any side effects.

PRECAUTIONS

Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Avoid exposure to infections. Stay away from crowds and people known to have colds, the flu, or other infections.

Tell any nurse, doctor, or dentist who is taking care of you that you are taking cyclophosphamide for your lupus.

WARNING!

Do not take this drug if you sus-pect you are pregnant. Cyclophosphamide causes birth defects. You must use an effective birth control method while you are taking this medication. You should consider pregnancy only after treatment has been stopped and your doctor says you are healthy enough to become pregnant.

Long-term therapy with cyclophosphamide may leave a woman unable to produce eggs, or a man unable to produce sperm. This means permanent sterility. If you want to have a baby in the future, talk to your doctor about the option of storing your eggs or sperm before beginning therapy.
 
ADDITIONAL NOTES
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From LUPUS: A Patient Care Guide for Nurses and Other Health Professionals, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases/National Institutes of Health  http://www.nih.gov/niams