Cyclophosphamide (Non-Cancer)

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Cyclophosphamide (Non-Cancer) - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Cyclophosphamide (Non-Cancer) cause?

Some common side-effects of this medication include:

Decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting

If you are on infusion: Medication may be given before the infusion to prevent these side effects.
If you are on oral medication: Take medication after food to minimise the side effects. Sucking hard, sugar-free candy may reduce nausea and vomiting.

Infusion reactions: symptoms include flushing, headache

Medications may be given to manage these side effects.

Bladder pain

Drink plenty of water (at least 2 litres per day, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor) to pass urine frequently after receiving the infusion

Infection: symptoms include colds, inflammation of the sinuses/nose, urinary tract infections and skin infections

If you develop a fever, sore throat or feel generally unwell, see a doctor immediately. The doctor whom you consult should be told that you are on cyclophosphamide.

Hair Thinning

This is harmless and may not be obvious. It often resolves by itself, though the new hair may have a different color or texture

Low blood cell count (platelet, red and/or white blood cell)
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Skin rash
Changes in the colour of the skin and nails
No/ irregular menses for child-bearing age women

It is important to monitor the effects of your treatment. For your safety, you need to do regular blood tests for monitoring by your doctor.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Some rare but serious side effects include:

Combined low blood cell count (symptoms include infection, feeling very tired or weak, bleeding)
Liver injury (symptoms include yellowing of eye whites or skin, dark or tea-coloured urine or constant abdominal pain)
Hemorrhagic cystitis, a condition where the breakdown substance of cyclophosphamide irritate the bladder (symptoms include blood in the urine, bladder pain)

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Cyclophosphamide may also cause:

Severe infections such as fungal infections, reactivation of tuberculosis and hepatitis B
Decreased fertility in both men and women using the medication
Birth defects and miscarriage in women using the medication
Increased risk of certain cancers such as bladder cancer. You may have a higher risk if you are also taking certain medications that suppress the immune system. Your doctor will monitor you closely for any signs of cancer.

Before taking Cyclophosphamide (Non-Cancer) , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
You are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Both men and women of childbearing age should use a reliable method of contraception to avoid an unplanned pregnancy during and 6 to 12 months after stopping or completing cyclophosphamide.
If you are planning to have a child, discuss it with your doctor before you begin the treatment.
Do not breastfeed while you take this medication and for at least 6 weeks after the last dose of cyclophosphamide.

Avoid overcrowded places and stay away from people who are sick to prevent getting an infection.

Reactivation of infections such as tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B may happen when you are on medication, hence, your doctor will check for such infection before starting cyclophosphamide.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Cyclophosphamide (Non-Cancer) ?

Avoid eating raw, undercooked or half-cooked food.
Pneumococcal, influenza (flu) and Hepatitis B vaccinations are safe and may be given if required. Avoid live vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), OPV (oral polio vaccine), yellow fever or BCG (tuberculosis). Discuss with your doctor before receiving any vaccines. Also, direct contact with persons who have taken oral polio vaccine or those with infections should be avoided.