CYTOXAN

Drug Uses
Cytoxan is used for treating certain cancers like eye cancer, lymphoma, leukaemia, multiple myeloma, mycosis fungoides, ovarian cancer, neuroblastoma and breast cancer. The drug is usually used in combination with other drugs.

How Taken
The drug should only be taken according to the doctor’s direction. Cytoxan should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.

Warnings/Precautions
Before your doctor prescribes Cytoxan, you should have to inform him about all your medical conditions. Tell him if you have any allergies to any particular food, medicine or any other substance.

You should not hide from your doctor if you have infection, chickenpox, bone marrow problems, suppressed immune system, kidney or liver problems and low levels of platelets or white cells.

You have to inform your doctor if you have received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cytotoxic or if the adrenal gland is removed.

If you are pregnant or hoping to conceive soon, inform your doctor and discuss with him all the risks involved in taking Cytoxan. It is better not to get pregnant while taking the drug. Moreover, breast-feeding mothers should have to avoid feeding if they are taking Cytoxan as the drug is seen in breast milk.

As like other medicines, Cytoxan is also known to interact with other medications. Therefore, it is better to discuss with your doctor all the medications that you are on before he prescribes Cytoxan.

Cytoxan should be avoided if you are using tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–blocking medicines. When taking the drug, you have to be careful not to bleed as the drug is seen to reduce the platelets (blood clotting cells). If you come across unusual bleeding, bloody stools, bruising, you have to contact your doctor immediately.

The body’s ability to fight infection is also affected with the drug. So it is better to avoid contact with persons who have cold, flu and other infections.

If you are going for any dental treatment or any emergency surgery, you have to tell the doctor that you are on Cytoxan medication at least ten days earlier.

Cytoxan also increases the chance of developing a second attack; may be you come across a second cancer years after stopping the drug.

The drug is also known to cause infertility. Elderly patients should have to use the drug with caution as they are more sensitive to the side effects.

Missed Dose
The missed dose can be taken when you remember it. But if it is time for the scheduled dosage, skip the missed one. Never mix the two doses.

Overdose
Fast heartbeat, stomach and back pain, red or bloody urine and weakness are some of the symptoms of Cytoxan over dosage. You should have to contact your doctor if you suspect an over dosage.

The drug should only be taken by those for whom it has been prescribed. You should have to strictly follow the doctor’s direction when taking Cytoxan.