Side Effects of CMF Chemotherapy

The chemotherapy regimen CMF is used to treat breast cancer, and contains the drugs cyclophosphamide (brand name Cytoxan), methotrexate (brand name Mexate or Folex) and 5-fluorouracil (brand names 5-FU and Adrucil) (cancer.org). As with any medications, these drugs have side effects, although not everyone will experience all of them. Before you start treatment with CMF, ask your health care team about all possible side effects, what warning signs to watch for and any concerns or questions you may have about the treatment.

Cyclophosphamide

The side effects of cyclophosphamide typically depend on the dosage given, according to Chemocare.com. Many chemotherapy drugs cause low white and red blood cell counts, which make you more susceptible to infections and anemia, and this drug is no different (chemocare.com). Low blood cell counts are a common side effect of cyclophosphamide, as well as temporary hair loss, nausea and vomiting, impaired appetite, adverse effects on fertility and skin or nail discoloration (chemocare.com). Side effects that occur less often include diarrhea, mouth sores and bladder irritation (chemocare.com). There is a possible long-term risk of developing a second cancer in the future after treatment with this drug, so it is important that you ask your physician about any risks of the medication and any concerns you may have (Skeel, 2007).

Methotrexate

Low blood cell counts are a common side effect with methotrexate, as are mouth sores and a loss of appetite (chemocare.com). Nausea and vomiting may occur, but is less likely with lower dosages of the drug (chemocare.com). Hair loss, eye irritation, adverse effects on fertility and diarrhea are side effects that are less likely to occur, but some patients do experience these effects (chemocare.com).

In high doses, skin rashes, kidney problems and increases in liver function tests are seen (Skeel, 2007; chemocare.com). While on methotrexate, it is important to tell your health care team about any medications you are on. You should not take NSAID drugs like Advil or Motrin while on this, unless your doctor specifically tells you to take the drugs, because these may cause intestinal irritation and anemia (chemocare.com; Skeel, 2007). You should also not take any folic acid supplements while being treated with methotrexate, as these can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.

5-Fluorouracil

Common side effects with 5-fluorouracil include diarrhea, nausea, mouth sores, lack of appetite, low blood cell counts, changes in how food tastes and sensitivity to light (chemocare.com). Less commonly occurring side effects include thinning of the hair, skin reactions, and hand-foot syndrome (redness and peeling or pain on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet) (chemocare.com).