LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Cyclophosphamide
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DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cyclophosphamide is a drug that is used primarily for treating several types of cancer. In order to work, cyclophosphamide first is converted by the liver into two chemicals, acrolein and phosphoramide. Acrolein and phosphoramide are the active compounds, and they slow the growth of cancer cells by interfering with the actions of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) within the cancerous cells. It is, therefore, referred to as a cytotoxic drug. Unfortunately, normal cells ... are affected, and this results in serious side effects. Cytoxan also suppresses the immune system and is also referred to as immunosuppressive.
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Cyclophosphamide is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that cyclophosphamide is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Cyclophosphamide may ... affect egg production in women and sperm production in men. Do not take cyclophosphamide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Use of cyclophosphamide by the father prior to conception has also been associated with birth defects. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with cyclophosphamide for both men and women. Cyclophosphamide passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.
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Bladder cancer — Cyclophosphamide has a tendency to damage the bladder (see Bladder problems, below). This damage predisposes patients to the development of bladder cancer. The risk of bladder cancer (and of other bladder complications) is greater when cyclophosphamide is administered in the oral daily form. Among patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis treated with oral daily cyclophosphamide at the National Institutes of Health, the risk of bladder cancer was 6%. Among patients followed for up to 15 years, the projected incidence of bladder cancer was as high as 16%. Therefore, patients who have been treated with cyclophosphamide need to be followed indefinitely for the possibility of bladder complications of the treatment.
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Blood cells: Cyclophosphamide can have significant effects on the blood cells, typically causing a reduction in the number of white blood cells, a key component of the body's immune system. This often occurs approximately 8-12 days after starting treatment. Your doctor will check your blood counts around this time and make dose adjustments as needed.
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Cyclophosphamide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman and such abnormalities have been reported following cyclophosphamide therapy in pregnant women. Abnormalities were found in two infants and a six-month old fetus born to women treated with cyclophosphamide. Ectrodactylia was found in two of the three cases. Normal infants have ... been born to women treated with cyclophosphamide during pregnancy, including the first trimester. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking (receiving) this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant.
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Cyclophosphamide can be given by mouth as a pill or liquid, or as a shot into a vein. The dose depends upon your size and your type of cancer. Cyclophosphamide is given with other anticancer drugs. Antinausea medicines will be given before the shot; if you are taking the pill or liquid, take the antinausea pill 1 hour before your cyclophosphamide dose. If you are taking the liquid, make sure you shake the medicine well before pouring the dose. Also, take the medicine first thing in the morning with at least a full glass of water to lessen bladder problems.
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Cyclophosphamide