Cyclophosphamide (children)
What is it?
Cyclophosphamide (brand name: Cycloblastin, Endoxan) is a medicine used to treat severe inflammatory diseases (diseases which may affect kidneys, blood vessels, joints, muscles, skin, gut or eyes). This can include complicated lupus (also known as SLE), vasculitis, uveitis and scleroderma. It is also used to treat certain cancers. Cyclophosphamide is a medicine that works by suppressing your immune system. It reduces the damage done by inflammation, rather than just reducing pain.
How will it help?
Cyclophosphamide is a medicine that works slowly. You can expect your child to gradually start feeling better, but it might take weeks to months.
How is Cyclophosphamide given?
Cyclophosphamide is given via a vein as an infusion, or as a tablet.
When should it be given?
Tablets: Daily
Infusion: Approximately once a month for the first six months.
What is the dose?
This depends on the weight of your child. When the disease is under control, other medicines may be started. The dose of cyclophosphamide may then be reduced.
How long will it be used for?
People may stay on cyclophosphamide for long periods (several years) to help keep their disease under control. The dose is usually reduced after the first six months.
Are there any side effects?
Cyclophosphamide is usually very effective in improving your child’s condition, but as with all medicines side effects can occur. Some are common, and some are rare. Most people don’t have any problems when they take cyclophosphamide. You must have regular blood tests while you are on cyclophosphamide.
Things you need to know when taking this medicine
What to do if your child is sick
Don’t give cyclophosphamide if your child:
- Has a high fever
- Has had vomiting/ diarrhoea
- Has been in contact with chickenpox or shingles
- Is sick and you’re not sure why
If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor, and get your child checked if necessary before giving the cyclophosphamide.
Interactions
Cyclophosphamide can interact with many other medicines. Talk to your doctor before your child takes any prescription medicines, natural medicines and medicines that you can buy over the counter.
Immunisations
Most immunisations are safe to have (flu vaccine, cervical cancer vaccine, killed polio vaccine (IPV) etc). Live virus vaccines (such as mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), polio (OPV)), varicella (chicken pox) and some travel vaccines should not be used when taking cyclophosphamide.
Infections
Patients on cyclophosphamide are at increased risk of infection, because of immune suppression. Cyclophosphamide can make chickenpox infections more serious. A blood test can be done to see if somebody is already immune to the virus. If your child is in contact with chickenpox or shingles, call your doctor.
Alcohol
Cyclophosphamide and alcohol are both broken down by the liver. Drinking alcohol while taking cyclophosphamide can put extra strain on the liver. It is not known how much is safe, so it is suggested that anyone on cyclophosphamide should avoid drinking alcohol.
Sexual Health
Being pregnant while you are taking cyclophosphamide, it can be very bad for the baby. Patients who are sexually active, should use effective contraception to avoid getting pregnant. Women on cyclophosphamide may stop getting their periods but they usually return after the drug is stopped. Having been on cyclophosphamide may affect fertility for the future. Your doctor will discuss this before the medication is started.
Myths and misconceptions
You may hear a lot of different information about cyclophosphamide from friends, pharmacists or people you know. If you are worried about anything, please talk to your doctor or nurse for more information. If your child is taking cyclophosphamide they should see their paediatric rheumatologist regularly to make sure the treatment is working and to minimise any possible side effects.
This medicine should be kept in a safe place, as accidental overdose can be serious.
For more information see the Cyclophosphamide (paediatric) Information sheet
This Information Sheet has been prepared using materials obtained from various sources which have been reviewed by the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA). It contains general information only and does not contain a complete or definitive statement of all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions of the medicines referenced. This information is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions nor for making an individual assessment of the risks and benefits of taking a particular medicine. Decisions regarding the assessment and treatment of patients are the sole responsibility of the treating medical professional, exercising their own clinical judgment and taking into account all of the circumstances and the medical history of the individual patient. ARA has used all reasonable endeavours to ensure the information on which this Information Sheet is based is accurate and up to date. However, the ARA accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, currency, reliability and/or completeness of the information contained in this Information Sheet. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the ARA expressly disclaims any liability for any injury, loss, harm or damage arising from or in connection with use of and reliance on the information contained in this Information Sheet. This information sheet is copyright and may be reproduced in its entirety but may not be altered without prior written permission from the ARA. Page updated April 2024Discover more...
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