CYTOXAN

Drug Uses
Cytoxan is used for treatment of certain types of the following cancers- lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukaemia, mycosis fungoides, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, eye cancer, and breast cancer. It is usually used in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken
Use Cytoxan as directed by your doctor. To avoid stomach upset take Cytoxan with a meal.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Cytoxan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Cytoxan, if you have an infection, chickenpox, a suppressed immune system, bone marrow suppression or other bone marrow problems, low levels of white blood cells or platelets, or liver or kidney problems, are receiving or have received cytotoxic therapy, x–ray, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, have had an adrenal gland removed (adrenalectomy), if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Cytoxan has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are using Cytoxan. If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Cytoxan during pregnancy. Cytoxan is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast feed while taking Cytoxan. Some medicines may interact with Cytoxan. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Cytoxan if you are taking tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–blocking medicines (eg, etanercept). Cytoxan may reduce the number of clot–forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor. This drug may also lower your body's ability to fight infection. Avoid contact with people with colds or other infections. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Cytoxan. If possible, inform the doctor or dentist at least 10 days before the procedure. Cytoxan may decrease your body's ability to heal wounds. Cytoxan may increase your chance of developing a second cancer, sometimes even years after stopping treatment with Cytoxan. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. Cytoxan may cause infertility that is sometimes permanent. Check with your doctor before receiving any vaccinations while you are using Cytoxan. It is recommended to use birth control while using Cytoxan. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Cytoxan.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Appetite loss, absence of menstrual periods, color change in skin, diarrhea, general unwell feeling, hair loss, nausea, skin rash, stomach discomfort or pain, texture change in nails, vomiting, and weakness. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blood in urine, bloody or black tarry stools, chest pain, chills, fever, hallucinations, increased or decreased urination, infection, lower back or abdominal pain, pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, painful urination, persistent cough, pneumonia, red, swollen, or blistered skin, seizures, severe stomach pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, sores in the mouth, swelling of the hands or feet, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual or severe tiredness or weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Storage
Store Cytoxan at 77 °F (25 °C), excursions permitted to 59 to 86 °F (15 to 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cytoxan out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Cytoxan overdose are- back or stomach pain, fast heartbeat, red or bloody urine, weakness.

More Information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Cytoxan should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.