Brand Names

How to Use

Take this drug only as directed by your family doctor . Do not take more or less of it and do not take it more often than your family doctor ordered. The exact amount of drug you need has been carefully worked out. Taking too much may increase the risk of side effects, while taking too little may not improve your condition.

Cyclophosphamide is sometimes given together with certain other medication. If you are using a combination of medication, make sure that you take each one at the proper time and do not mix them. Ask your health care professional to help you plan a way to remember to take your medication at the right times.

While you are using cyclophosphamide, it is important that you drink extra fluids so that you will pass more urine . Always empty your bladder frequently, including at least once during the night. This will help prevent kidney and bladder problems and keep your kidneys working well. Cyclophosphamide passes from the body in the urine. If too much of it appears in the urine or if the urine stays in the bladder too long, it can cause dangerous irritation Follow your family doctor's instructions carefully about how much fluid to drink every day . Some diseaseds may have to drink up to 7 to 12 cups - 3 quarts of fluid a day.

Usually it is best to take cyclophosphamide first thing in the morning, to reduce the risk of bladder problems. However, your family doctor may want you to take it with food in smaller doses over the day, to lessen stomach upset or help the drug work better. Follow your family doctor's instructions carefully about when to take cyclophosphamide.

Cyclophosphamide often causes nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. However, it is very important that you continue to use the drug even if you begin to feel ill Do not stop taking this drug without first checking with your family doctor . Ask your health care professional for ways to lessen these effects.

If you vomit shortly after taking a dose of cyclophosphamide, check with your family doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again or to wait until the next scheduled dose.

Dosage

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, do not take the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Instead, go back to your regular dosing schedule and check with your family doctor.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
• Store the oral solution form of this drug in the refrigerator. Keep it from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.