Here are 5 common FAQs about cyclophosphamide.
Cyclophosphamide treats various cancers, including leukaemias, lymphomas, breast, and ovarian cancers.
It is also used for severe, life-threatening autoimmune conditions and vasculitis, such as lupus nephritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).
Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating chemotherapy agent and powerful immunosuppressant. Once processed by the liver, it binds to cellular DNA and stops cells from replicating.
This process destroys rapidly dividing cancer cells or suppresses the overactive white blood cells causing autoimmune damage.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, temporary hair loss (alopecia), and severe fatigue.
Because it suppresses bone marrow function, it frequently causes a drop in blood cell counts, leaving patients highly susceptible to infections, bruising, and anaemia.
A major serious risk is haemorrhagic cystitis, which causes severe bladder irritation and bleeding (blood in the urine).
It can also cause permanent infertility in both men and women, severe liver or kidney toxicity, and increases the long-term risk of developing bladder cancer.
Cyclophosphamide comes as 50 mg oral tablets or as a powder for intravenous infusion. There is no standard dose.
A specialist calculates the precise dosage individually based on the patient’s body surface area, kidney function, and the specific condition being treated.
Yes. To prevent bladder damage, patients must stay exceptionally well-hydrated by drinking 2 to 3 litres of fluid daily and emptying their bladder frequently.
Because the immune system is severely weakened, practising strict hygiene and avoiding infection risks are critical to staying safe during treatment.
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