Cyclophosphamide in nephrotic syndrome (1080)
Key points below
(Cytoxan®)
Reason for prescribing
Cyclophosphamide is used to treat different types of kidney disease. It can be used along with other medicines, like Prednisone®, to treat these diseases. It comes as a tablet or may be given through a vein. Brand names include Cytoxan.How and when to give the medicine
Your child’s doctor or nurse will explain how and when to give this medicine to your child. If you have questions, ask the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
- Do not let anyone else take this medicine.
Special advice for giving this medicine with food
- Give this medicine on a full stomach. Cyclophosphamide should be given with food and plenty of fluids. It may be best to give it later in the day, such as after school.
- Your child should drink plenty of liquids while using this medicine. Your child’s doctor or nurse will tell you how much your child should drink. Liquids can include Popsicles®, Kool-Aid®, sherbet, soup, milk, tea, fruit juice or water.
Possible side effects
The following is a list of some of the possible side effects of this medicine. If your child has these or other side effects, tell the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Irregular periods in girls
- Decreased blood counts
- Some hair loss which is temporary
- Irritation of the bladder (blood in urine)
Uncommon side effects
- Headaches
- Skin rash
- Possible difficulty with future fertility and unable to have children
- Abnormal liver function
When given through a vein, nausea and vomiting may occur 6 to 8 hours after getting this medicine and could last 8 to 24 hours.
Special information
General information:
- 7 to 14 days after getting this medicine, blood counts may be low. There is a greater risk of getting an infection. Blood counts will be better about three weeks later.
- Hair loss can happen 2 to 3 weeks after starting this medicine. This rarely happens with the pill form.
- Girls may have irregular periods or very heavy bleeding. This is often temporary.
- Your child may have a metal taste in their mouth while getting the IV medicine. It may help to suck on a piece of candy with peppermint or cinnamon flavor.
- Because your child is less able to fight infection or illness, it is important to avoid people who are sick. Avoid anyone who has a fever, coughing, sneezing or any other illness that can be passed on.
- Your child should not get any vaccines during this time. Other family members who live with your child should not get live vaccines.
- This drug can be absorbed through the skin. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle or break the medicine tablets.
Storage, refills and when to throw away:
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.