Cyclophosphamide Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth sores are a few of the side effects that may potentially occur with cyclophosphamide. Side effects of the medication are generally minor, requiring little or no treatment. However, it is possible to develop serious cyclophosphamide side effects that require immediate medical attention. Among these more serious side effects are blood in the stool or urine, unusual moles, and difficulty breathing or water retention.

Cyclophosphamide for Cancer Treatment

An Introduction to Cyclophosphamide Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan^®); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, some people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in some cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with cyclophosphamide. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of cyclophosphamide side effects with you.)

Possible Side Effects With Cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. Side effects of cyclophosphamide can include:

Nausea and vomiting (see Chemotherapy and Nausea)
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea (see Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea)
Mouth sores (see Mouth and Gum Problems During Chemotherapy)
Infertility, in both men and women (which may be irreversible)
Low levels of white blood cells or platelets (see Blood Clotting Problems and Chemotherapy)
Nail or skin discoloration or darkening
Hair loss (see Cytoxan and Hair Loss)
Temporary menstrual changes (such as missed periods).

(Cyclophosphamide Side Effects Continued: Page 2)