Let's learn about Cyclophosphamide tablets: What you need to know about this drug used to treat cancer and other diseases

Perhaps you or someone in your family has been prescribed a drug called Cyclophosphamide by your doctor. It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear this name, especially when it comes to chemotherapy. But don't worry. In this article, we'll talk about this drug, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, cyclophosphamide is a type of chemotherapy drug. There's nothing to be afraid of when you hear the word chemotherapy, it just means that it controls the growth of cancer cells.

Think of cancer cells as bad cells that divide rapidly and uncontrollably in our bodies. What this medicine does is slow down the growth of those cells, or stop them from dividing.

This medicine is mainly used to treat various types of cancer. For example:

• Lymphoma
• Myeloma
• Leukemia
• Breast Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer

In addition, this medicine is also used to treat a kidney disease called nephrotic syndrome in children. Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before prescribing this medication, your doctor will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.

• If you have heart disease or have had an irregular heartbeat in the past.
• Any current infectious condition (such as fever, cough, cold).
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease .
• If you are undergoing hemodialysis .
• If you have been diagnosed with low blood counts due to previous tests.
• If you have recently undergone or are currently undergoing radiation therapy .
• If there is scarring or thickening of the lungs.
• If you have difficulty urinating .
• If you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant.
• If the baby is breastfed.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to cyclophosphamide or any other medicine, food, or dye.

How should I use the medicine?

It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly when using this medicine.

• Swallow this tablet/capsule with a glass of water.
• Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
• Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without medical advice.

If you are giving this medicine to children, special care may be required. Talk to your pediatrician about this.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.

Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine

Doctors will be constantly monitoring your condition while you are taking this medication, and you should also be especially careful about these things.

Why do you need to drink a lot of water?

As your doctor says, drink plenty of water or other fluids throughout the day. This will help flush the medicine out of your body and minimize any damage to your bladder. So , urinate frequently, even at night if you feel the need to urinate.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for one year after stopping the medicine .
• Men should avoid fathering a child while taking this medication and for 4 months after stopping it , as this medication can cause serious harm to the unborn child.
• Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping .

About Fertility

This is a sensitive topic, but it's important to know. This medication can cause ovarian failure and reduced fertility in some women. It can also reduce sperm count in men. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it.

Protect yourself from infections

This medicine is in your body.The ability to fight infections (immunity) decreases. So stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.

• If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, or a sore throat , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.
• Do not take painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol, or ibuprofen without medical advice. These may suppress the fever and make it difficult to detect an infection.

What side effects might I experience?

Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of them.