Explanation

Cyclophosphamide is a medicine that kills cancer cells. It is one of a family of medicines called cytotoxics.

What does cyclophosphamide do?

Cyclophosphamide travels all around your body hunting out cancer cells. When it finds a cancer cell. it attacks the cell and kills it.

It is effective at killing all types of cancer cells, so it can be used to treat lots of different types of cancers.

What does it look like?

Cyclophosphamide comes as a pill that you swallow.

When do I have to take it?

You will most likely need to go to hospital to get supplies of cyclophosphamide. You will probably take it for a set number of days and then have a break before starting the next cycle. Your doctor will tell you exactly how much cyclophosphamide to take and how often you need to take it.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

You need to keep taking your cyclophosphamide until your doctor is sure that all the cancer in your body is gone. If you stop taking it then the cancer can grow back.

It's really important to keep taking it, even if it is making you feel sick and horrible. Just remember, you won't have to take it forever. Keep thinking about all the cancer cells it is killing inside you! Each cancer cell it kills is one more step towards getting better.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take a dose then take the next dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time to take your next dose, then miss out the forgotten dose and just take the next dose at the normal time.

Remember the three Ds: Don't Double Dose!

How much do I take?

That depends on how much you weigh and how ill you are. Your doctor will decide the perfect dose for you.

The right dose is important. It's the best way to beat your cancer, without getting side effects.

What side effects might I get if I take cyclophosphamide?

The side effects that you are most likely to have while you are taking cyclophosphamide are:

Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)

Headache

Problems with your kidney and liver. Your doctor will do blood tests now and then to keep an eye on this

Problems with your blood (for example, a decrease in the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin or platelets in your blood).

This can increase the risk of infection, so try to keep away from people with colds or flu. It might also make you bleed more easily, so be careful not to cut or hurt yourself. Your doctor will do blood tests to look out for any problems with your blood.

Losing your hair (but don't worry, your hair usually grows back after treatment is stopped)

Girls might stop having periods, but they come back again after treatment is stopped

Pain in your mouth

Change in your skin colour

Problems with your lungs, which might make you feel wheezy or short of breath.

An allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include flushing, wheezing and swelling of your face, a drop in blood pressure, and a fast heartbeat.

A problem with your pancreas

A change in blood sugar levels

An increased risk of blood clotting

It is also more likely that you might get some types of cancer, including leukaemia, after cyclophosphamide therapy.

Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects, or if you notice any others during or after treatment with cyclophosphamide. Your doctor might be able to give you some other medicines to help you feel a bit better.

Is it safe for me to be taking cyclophosphamide?

Before using cyclophosphamide, you should tell the doctor about any other medical problems that you know you have.

Especially if you:

Have kidney or liver disease

Have taken anti-tumour drugs or had x rays before

Are having radiotherapy or have previously had radiotherapy

And remember to tell your doctor if you have any allergies - to cyclophosphamide or anything else. Cyclophosphamide tablets contain other things as well as cyclophosphamide, so your doctor needs to know about all your allergies.

Is it OK for me to take cyclophosphamide if I'm already taking other medicines?

Make sure you tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines for your cancer.

You should also mention things you're taking for other medical problems, including drugs, special foods or herbal remedies.

It's especially important to tell your doctor if you're taking:

sulphonylurea-type drugs (used to treat diabetes)

doxorubicin (another cytotoxic drug)

allopurinol

suxamethonium (a medication that is used in operations to relax your muscles)

Tablets that lower your blood sugar levels.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with cancer in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.