About your treatment  

Your doctor has ordered the drug cyclophosphamide to help treat your illness. The drug can be taken by mouth in tablet form or be given by injection into a vein.

This medication is used to treat:

• lymphomas
• multiple myeloma
• leukemias
• mycosis fungoides
• neuroblastoma
• ovarian carcinoma
• retinoblastoma
• breast cancer

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Cyclophosphamide is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.

Other uses for this medicine     

Cyclophosphamide is also used to treat bronchogenic carcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma, and other types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Storage conditions     

Keep cyclophosphamide in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose     

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Special instructions     

• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink about 10 eight-ounce glasses of fluid and urinate frequently during the first 24 hours after treatment to keep your kidneys working.
• The most common side effect of cyclophosphamide is a decrease in the number of blood cells. Your doctor may order tests before, during, and after your treatment to see if your blood cells are affected by the drug.

Brand names     

Other names