Cyclophosphamide belongs to a class of medicines called immunosuppressant. It suppresses the body's immune response by blocking the production of DNA in the body. It helps to reduce inflammation, which in turn, reduces symptoms and complications in the lung, skin, joints and other organs.
Cyclophosphamide is used to treat autoimmune diseases (disease where the body's natural defence system attacks own body cells such as:
□Systemic lupus erythematosus
□Systemic sclerosis
□Systemic vasculitis
□Others, please specify ______________________________________
Disclaimer: Cyclophosphamide is also used in non-autoimmune diseases. It is not within the scope of this material to cover information for such conditions.
Side effects may occur when taking Cyclophosphamide, but the majority of these effects tend to resolve spontaneously. Common side effects include:
Consult your doctor or pharmacist about any symptoms that becomes bothersome.
Cyclophosphamide should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. It is usually given orally after food once in the morning, taken at the same time daily.
A typical adult dose ranges from 50 milligrams to 150 milligrams daily by mouth. For children, the dose is usually calculated based on body weight or body surface area. The dose varies for each person depending upon many factors such as how active your disease is and how you respond to or tolerate the medicine. Your doctor may reduce the dose if you have kidney or liver problem.
Drink plenty of water (preferably at least 8 glasses of water per day, unless otherwise advised by your doctor) while you are taking Cyclophosphamide to prevent this medicine from irritating your kidneys and bladder. Also, do not take the medicine at bedtime when the urine concentrate overnight to minimize the risk of irritation.
Cyclophosphamide tablets should be swallowed whole, with a glass of water. The tablets should not be crushed or chewed.
However, for people who are unable to swallow tablets whole, your pharmacist may advise you to soak the tablets in water for a few minutes before grinding them to minimise the inhalation of medicine powder. Talk to your pharmacist for further details if you have difficulty swallowing.
You may start to see improvement within a few weeks, but it may take several months to experience its full benefit.
If you forget to take the tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten dose. Resume the next dose at the regular timing. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.
If you forget your appointment and miss your injection, please make another appointment as soon as possible to arrange for next injection. Inform your doctor that you have missed your injection.
Cyclophosphamide should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Consult your pharmacist or specialty nurse on disposal measures for unused medicines.
You may bring the unused medicines to the pharmacy or clinic for proper disposal.
If you have further questions about Cyclophosphamide, please call ______________________ (office number) to discuss with your doctor / pharmacist / specialty nurse (please circle as appropriate).
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