Cytoxan, a brand name for the generic drug cyclophosphamide, is a chemotherapy drug that can be used to treat types of leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and breast, ovarian and testicular cancers. It can be given intravenously or taken orally in capsule form, typically with other chemotherapy drugs because using more than one drug increases the effectiveness of treatment. There are many possible side effects of Cytoxan, but not everyone will experience all the side effects. These effects are usually manageable with other medications and instructions you may be given, and tend to subside once treatment has ended.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Cytoxan can include low white and red blood cell counts (leading to increased risk of infection and anemia), temporary loss of hair, nausea, vomiting, mouth or lip sores, diarrhea and possible loss of fertility. Another side effect that can occur is bleeding in the bladder or blood in the urine, according to the American Cancer Society. Drinking plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication may help to decrease any bladder problems, and you will be given anti-nausea medication with this chemotherapy to reduce the nausea and vomiting you may have. Your skin or nails may also become discolored; this goes away after treatment has ended.
Less Common Side Effects
Less common side effects of this medication include lowered platelet counts (which can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising), acne and fatigue. If you are pregnant and taking this medication, fetal changes may occur as a result of taking this medication.
Rare Side Effects
Side effects that are relatively rare include severe allergic reactions, skin rashes, scarring on the bladder, kidney damage, scarring on the lungs and damage to lung tissue, and heart problems or heart damage when the drug is given at high doses. There is also the risk of developing a second cancer later in life, long after treatment with Cytoxan is over. In order to minimize the risk of some of these side effects, you may be given other medications, and be closely monitored in order to ensure that any side effects are found early.
Side Effects that Require Medical Attention
There are some side effects of Cytoxan that are not normal and require attention by a medical professional. These include a fever of 100.3 or higher, chills, nausea that interferes with your ability to eat, vomiting or having diarrhea more than four to five times in a 24 hour period, fatigue that interferes with your daily functioning and black or tarry stools. Talking to your healthcare team when you notice any of these symptoms can help ensure that any problems you may have during treatment are addressed quickly.
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