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Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide is a drug used
to treat a number of cancers. It is also
used for lupus treatment when major
organs, such as the kidneys, are affected,
and when severe inflammation has
not responded to corticosteroids. In
lupus, the immune system is too active.
Cyclophosphamide slows down the
immune system so that disease activity
can be reduced.
Cyclophosphamide is a very powerful
drug. It can have a number of effects on
the body. As a result, it is important that
you understand how it is used to treat
your lupus. You will need to work closely
with your doctor and nurse to make
sure that the amount of the drug you are
taking gives you the benefits you need
with as few side effects as possible.
Instructions
The brand name of your Cyclophosphamide is
___________________________________ .
The strength or dose of the Cyclophosphamide ordered for you is ___________.
Take the Cyclophosphamide ________________
time(s) per day.
The best time(s) to take your
Cyclophosphamide ________________________
Additional instructions: ______________
___________________________________ .
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Possible Side Effects
These include nausea, vomiting, loss
of appetite, mouth ulcers, fatigue,
temporary hair loss, unusual bleeding or
blood in the urine, shortness of breath,
loss of menstrual periods, impotence,
sterility, or signs of infection (such as
increased temperature, sore throat, or
flu symptoms).
Tell your nurse or doctor right away if
you have any side effects.
Precautions
Do not take more than the
recommended dose.
Avoid exposure to infections. Stay
away from crowds and people
known to have colds, the flu, or
other infections.
Tell any nurse, doctor, or dentist who
is taking care of you that you are
taking cyclophosphamide for your
lupus.
WARNING!
Do not take this drug if you
suspect you are pregnant.
Cyclophosphamide causes birth
defects. You must use an effective
birth control method while you are
taking this medication. You should
consider pregnancy only after
treatment has been stopped and
your doctor says you are healthy
enough to become pregnant.
Long-term therapy with
cyclophosphamide may leave a
woman unable to produce eggs, or
a man unable to produce sperm.
This means permanent sterility. If you
want to have a baby in the future,
talk to your doctor about the option
of storing your eggs or sperm before
beginning therapy.
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Source: National Institutes of Health, U.S.Dept of Health and Human Services
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