Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) for Lymphoma

Overview

Cytoxan, also known by its drug name, cyclophosphamide, is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating cancers including Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Cytoxan is often combined with other drugs such as vincristine sulfate (formerly sold as Oncovin), bortezomib (Velcade), and corticosteroids in a chemotherapy regimen. Cytoxan is an anticancer drug used in chemotherapy. Cytoxan is a member of a class of drugs called alkylating agents. Cytoxan is believed to work by preventing the production of DNA in cells, thereby blocking cell division and inhibiting cancer growth.

How do I take it?

Cytoxan can be administered as an IV infusion, taken orally, or injected into muscles.

Side effects

Common side effects of Cytoxan include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, temporary hair loss, darkening of the skin and nails, loss of appetite, fatigue, increased risk of infection, anemia, and low white blood cell counts. Serious side effects of Cytoxan include urinary tract toxicity, pulmonary toxicity, cardiotoxicity, the risk of permanent infertility in both men and women, and increased risk of some types of cancer, even years after treatment has stopped.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Cyclophosphamide — Chemocare

Chemotherapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma — American Cancer Society

Chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – American Cancer Society

Drug Therapy for Multiple Myeloma — American Cancer Society