Cytoxan is the brand name for cyclophosphamide, a drug known as an alkylating agent. It is used generally to fight types of cancer including skin tumors, ovarian cancer, bone marrow cancer, breast cancer and others. It also may be used to help treat lupus, a disease in which the body's immune system attacks the body. Cytoxan is used as an immunisuppressor for cases of lupus that have become serious. According to the Mayo Clinic, this may be a problem because of the serious side effects associated with Cytoxan.
Cancer
One of the most serious risks of using Cytoxan to treat lupus is the possibility of developing cancer even long after you stop taking it. These side effects may present themselves years after you begin treatment of lupus with Cytoxan. Cyclophosphamide can cause you to develop cancer of the bladder or leukemia, a cancer of the blood.
Serious Side Effects
Using Cytoxan may produce side effects for which you may require medical attention and you should call your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of them. The more common types include urination that is difficult or painful, a cough, disruptions of the menstrual cycle, hoarseness, pain in your side or lower back, chills or a fever. Less common and rare side effects may include skin or eye yellowing, feces that are tar-like or contain blood, abnormal thirst, skin spotting, usually red, shortness of breath that is sudden, abnormal bleeding, lip or mouth sores, abnormal bruising, injection-site pain or increased frequency in the need to urinate.
Other Serious Side Effects
If you are prescribed high doses of Cytoxan or if you are taking it for an extended period of time, you may experience other serious side effects. Talk with your your physician. They include shortness of breath, abnormal weakness, urination that contains blood, pain in the joints, abnormal tiredness, tachycardia or a fast heartbeat, agitation, feet or leg swelling, mental confusion or dizziness.
Non-Serious Side Effects
Cytoxan may cause you to lose some hair in the short-term as you begin using it. According to the Mayo Clinic, your hair will grow back, but it might be different textured or colored. Other temporary effects may include lip swelling, skin discoloration usually darkening, itching, fingernail darkening, hives, a decrease in your appetite, a rash, vomiting, headaches, facial flushing, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
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