Cyclophosphamide (Systemic)

Brand Names : Cytoxan, Neosar, Procytox

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or bladder cancer. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Cough or hoarseness; fever or chills; lower back or side pain; missing menstrual periods; painful or difficult urination

With high doses and/or long-term treatment

Blood in urine; dizziness, confusion, or agitation; fast heartbeat; joint pain; shortness of breath; swelling of feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Black, tarry stools or blood in stools; pinpoint red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising

Rare

Frequent urination; redness, swelling, or pain at site of injection; sores in mouth and on lips; sudden shortness of breath; unusual thirst; yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Darkening of skin and fingernails; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting

Less common

Diarrhea or stomach pain; flushing or redness of face; headache; increased sweating; skin rash, hives, or itching; swollen lips

Cyclophosphamide may cause a temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment has ended, normal hair growth should return, although the new hair may be a slightly different color or texture.

After you stop using cyclophosphamide, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effect:

Blood in urine

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.