Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Cyclophosphamide monohydrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for Cyclophosphamide is a cytotoxic drug or anti-cancer drug. It works by killing cancer cells, this is sometimes called 'chemotherapy'. It is used to treat lots of different cancers. Cyclophosphamide is often used together with other anti-cancer drugs or radiotherapy. Occasionally, some doctors may prescribe Cyclophosphamide for other conditions not related to cancer, your doctor will tell you if this applies to you.
e Cyclophosphamide Do not take Cyclophosphamide if: l you have ever had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient or any of the other ingredients (listed in Section 6). An allergic reaction can include shortness of breath, wheezing, rash, itching or swelling of the face and lips
Warnings and precautions
Take special care with Cyclophosphamide l Cyclophosphamide can have effects on your blood and immune system l Blood cells are made in your bone marrow. Three different types of blood cell are made:
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Using other medicines and treatments
Driving or using machines
Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines you have bought yourself. In particular, tell them about the following medicines or treatments as they may not work well with Cyclophosphamide: The following medicines can reduce how effective Cyclophosphamide is: l aprepitant (used to prevent being sick) l bupropion (an anti-depressant) l busulfan, thiotepa (used to treat cancer) l ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol (used to treat bacterial infections) l fluconazole, itraconazole (used to treat fungal infections) l Prasugrel (used to thin the blood) l Sulfonamides, such as sulfadiazine, sulfasalazine, sulfamethoxazole (used to treat bacterial infections) The following medicines can increase the toxicity of Cyclophosphamide: l allopurinol (used to treat gout) l azathioprine (used to reduce the activity of the immune system) l chloral hydrate (used to treat insomnia) l cimetidine (used to reduce stomach acid) l disulfiram (used to treat alcoholism) l glyceraldehyde (used to treat warts) l protease inhibitors (used to treat viruses) l ondansetron (used to prevent being sick) l medicines that increase liver enzymes such as:
Some of the side effects of treatment with Cyclophosphamide might affect your ability to drive and use machines safely. Your doctor will decide if it is safe for you to do so.
Cyclophosphamide with food and drink Drinking alcohol can increase the nausea and vomiting caused by Cyclophosphamide.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility Do not become pregnant while taking Cyclophosphamide. This is because it can cause miscarriage or damage your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. l Men or women should not try to have a child during or for at least 6 to 12 months after treatment. You should use an effective contraceptive. Ask your doctor for advice. l Cyclophosphamide can affect your ability to have children in the future. Talk to your doctor about freezing sperm samples or eggs before your treatment starts. Do not breast-feed while being treated with Cyclophosphamide. Ask your doctor for advice.
What to do if you see a different doctor, or have to go to hospital If you see any other doctor or have to go to hospital for any reason, tell them what medicines you are taking. Do not take any other medicines unless your doctor knows you are taking Cyclophosphamide.
Cyclophosphamide Taking this medicine l Cyclophosphamide Tablets are to be taken by mouth. Do not chew them. l If you are also having Mesna, your doctor will tell you how much you need to drink. You should take your tablets with enough liquid to make them easy to swallow. l Cyclophosphamide is often given with other anti-cancer drugs or radiotherapy.
The usual dose l Your doctor will decide how much of the medicine you need and when you should take it. l The amount of Cyclophosphamide you will need to take depends on:
Cyclophosphamide is usually taken for several days in a row as a course, and then there is a break (a period when no tablets are taken) before the next course. Sometimes you may need to take different numbers of tablets on alternate days, for instance, 3 tablets one day and 4 the next. Your doctor may need to change the amount of medicine you are given and monitor you more closely if you: l have problems with your liver or kidneys l you are elderly.
If you forget to take Cyclophosphamide If you forget to take your Cyclophosphamide: l you should take them as soon as you remember, if it is on the same day. If you have forgotten to take a whole day's tablets, then you should talk to your doctor. l Never take more tablets in one day than you were meant to
If you take too much Cyclophosphamide In the event of an overdose, or if a child swallows any of your tablets, talk to your doctor or local hospital emergency department immediately. Hospital admission for special treatment may be needed.
4 Possible side effects Like all medicines, Cyclophosphamide can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects can sometimes occur after ending the treatment. The following side effects may happen with this medicine.
Tell your doctor straight away, and go to hospital immediately if you notice any of the following serious side effects: l allergic reactions, signs of this would be shortness of breath, wheezing, rash, itching or swelling of the face and lips (hypersensitivity). Severe allergic reactions could lead to difficulty in breathing or shock, with a possible fatal outcome (anaphylactic shock, anaphylactic/ anaphylactoid reaction) l getting bruises without knocking yourself, or bleeding from your gums. This may be a sign that the platelet levels in your blood are getting too low l a lowering of your white blood cell count – your doctor will check this during your treatment. It will not cause any signs, but you will be more likely to get infections. If you think you have an infection (a high temperature, feeling cold and shivery, or hot and sweaty, or any signs of infection such as a cough, or stinging on passing water) you may need antibiotics to fight infections because your blood count is lower than usual
l blood in your urine, pain while passing urine, or less urine being passed (hemorrhagic cystitis, haematuria) l inflammation of your intestines or bowel which may resulting in bleeding (hemorrhagic enterocolitis) l fits (convulsions) l life threatening conditions which cause rash, ulcers, sore throat, fever, conjunctivitis, separation of skin layers (toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Swelling, numbness, red lumps and peeling of skin on the hands and feet (Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome) l life threatening decrease in the abilities of your kidney to adequately remove toxins and waste products from the blood (kidney failure). These changes to the tissues within your kidney can prevent them from working correctly, and induce kidney failure (renal tubular necrosis, renal tubular disorder) l pneumonia. Signs of this could be chest pain when you breathe or cough, confusion, coughing, fever, sweating and chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea l severe infection spreading through the blood which may lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure with a possible fatal outcome (sepsis, shock) l effects on the brain (encephalopathy), signs of this can be problems in thinking or concentrating, reduced alertness, changes in personality, tiredness, fits, muscle twitching, and shaking l a syndrome called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, which can cause swelling of the brain, headache, confusion, fits and loss of sight l heart attack (myocardial infarction) l decrease in your hearts ability to pump enough blood around your body which may be life threatening (cardiogenic shock, heart failure or cardiac arrest) l life-threatening decrease of your lungs ability to transfer oxygen in to your blood (respiratory failure) l a build-up of toxins in the body due to liver failure (hepatotoxicity). This may affect the brain causing confusion, reduced consciousness or coma (hepatic encephalopathy)
Tell your doctor straight away, if you notice any of the following serious side effects: l haemolytic uremic syndrome – a condition causing abnormal break down of the red blood cells, decreased numbers of platelets in the blood and kidney failure l cancer of your blood (leukaemia) l cancer of the bone marrow (myelodysplastic syndrome) l swelling of the brain due to too much water in your blood (water intoxication). Signs of this can be headache, changes in personality or behaviour, confusion, drowsiness l formation of small blood clots in your blood vessels disrupting the normal blood flow around your body (disseminated intravascular coagulation) l blood clot in the lungs which causes chest pain and breathlessness (pulmonary embolism) l blood clot, usually in a leg, which causes pain swelling or redness (venous thrombosis) l low blood levels of sodium which can cause tiredness and confusion, muscle twitching, fits and coma (hyponatremia) l tummy discomfort or severe tummy and back pain, this may be caused by inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis) l high blood sugar levels which can cause thirst, tiredness and irritability (hyperglycaemia) l low blood sugar levels which can cause confusion and sweating (hypoglycaemia) l effects on the spinal cord (Myelopathy), which can cause numbness, weakness and tingling in the hands, loss of motor skills l disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy); inflammation of the tissues in or around your heart (myocarditis, pericarditis); build up of fluid in the sac around your heart (pericardial effusion). Increased pressure from this fluid can stop the heart filling properly (cardiac tamponade); abnormal ECG heart tracing (Electrocardiogram QT prolonged) – These could be considered causes of arrythmia l changes in your heart rhythm (arrhythmia) which may be noticeable (palpitations): ¡ irregular heart beat (fibrillation) ¡ faster heart beat (tachycardia), which may be life threatening
(ventricular tachycardia)
¡ slower heart beat (bradycardia)
l blood clot in the lungs which causes chest pain and breathlessness (pulmonary veno-occlusive disease) l scarring of the lungs which causes shortness of breath (pulmonary fibrosis) l conditions causing inflammation of the lungs which can cause breathlessness, cough and raised temperature or scarring of the lungs (pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, obliterative bronchiolitis, organizing pneumonia, alveolitis allergic) l fluid in or around the lungs (pulmonary oedema, pleural effusion) l increased blood pressure in the lungs which can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, angina, fainting, peripheral oedema (pulmonary hypertension)
l abnormal muscle breakdown which can lead to kidney problems (rhabdomyolysis)
Other possible side effects , listed by frequency, may be: Very common: may effect more than 1 in 10 people l reduction in the effectiveness of your immune system (immunosuppression) l hair loss (alopecia) l pain and difficultly passing urine (cystitis) l very pale, lethargic and tired. This may be a sign of low red blood cells (anaemia). Usually, no treatment is required, your body will eventually replace the red blood cells. If you are very anaemic, you may need a blood transfusion Common: may effect up to 1 in 10 people l increased risk and severity of bacterial, fungal, viral, protozoal or parasitic infections due to the effect of cyclophosphamide on your immune system l reactivation of infections you have had before (latent infections) l increased levels of certain proteins produced by your liver called enzymes. Your doctor will do blood tests to test for these l inflammation of the bladder lining which causes pain, bleeding, blood in the urine, reduced urine flow (haemorrhagic cystitis) l inflammation of the linings of your body cavities (mucosal inflammation) Uncommon: may effect up to 1 in 100 people l loss of appetite (anorexia) l reddening of the skin (flushing) which may be accompanied by feeling hot or sweating (hot flushing) Rare: may effect up to 1 in 1,000 people l secondary tumours in various parts of the body, often in the area of the bladder l dehydration l dizziness l blurring, reduction or loss of sight l changes in colour of your fingernails and skin. l inflammation of this skin which may cause rash, blisters, itching, sores, oozing and scarring (dermatitis) l absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) l chest pain
Very rare: may effect up to 1 in 10,000 people l increase in the release of antidiuretic hormone from the pituitary gland. This affects the kidneys causing the low levels of sodium in your blood (hypernatremia) and water retention l accumulation of fluid in the body (water retention), which may been seen as fluid beneath the skin or swelling in you limbs l feeling sick and being sick (nausea, vomiting) l constipation or diarrhoea l ulcers in the lining of your digestive system (mucosal ulceration) l inflammation of the lining of your mouth including ulcers (stomatitis) l confusion l ulceration or scaring (fibrosis) of the bladder l inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis) l eye oedema (swelling) Unknown: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data l changes to your metabolism caused by the breakdown of the dying cancer cells (Tumour lysis syndrome) l inflammation of your intestines or bowel which may resulting in bleeding (enteritis, cecitis) l bleeding in your stomach or intestines (gastrointestinal haemorrhage) l inflammation which causes abdominal pain or diarrhoea (colitis) l swelling of the glands in your neck (parotid gland inflammation). l a disorder of the nerves which can cause weakness, tingling or numbness (peripheral neuropathy). This could be in more than one set of nerves (polyneuropathy) l pain from your nerves, which can also feel like an aching or burning sensation (neuralgia) l tingling or numbness, often in the hands or feet (paresthesia) l shaking (tremor) l changes in your sense of touch (dysesthesia) or loss of sensation (hypoesthesia) l changes in your sense of taste (dysgeusia) or loss of taste (hypogeusia) l changes in your sense of smell (parosmia) l increased tear formation (lacrimation) l deafness or hearing impairment l ringing in the ears (tinnitus) l inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) l reduced blood supply to your hands and feet (peripheral ischemia). This may cause pain, weakness, numbness, ulcers, changes in skin
colour or temperature l difficulty in breathing or wheezing (bronchospasm) l shortness of breath (dyspnea) l decrease levels of oxygen in your body (hypoxia) l cough l blocked or runny nose l pain at the back of your throat l increased liver size (hepatomegaly) l yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice) l blockage of the small veins in your liver (veno-occlusive liver disease) which can cause weight gain, increased liver size, pain and jaundice l conditions causing inflammation of the liver which can cause jaundice, weight loss and malaise (hepatitis) l disruption of the formation of bile by the liver which can cause itchiness, jaundice, pale coloured stools, dark urine (cholestasis) l a build-up of fluid in the abdomen causing swelling of the tummy and shortness of breath (ascites) l dark red raised itchy rash (urticaria) l redness and blistering of the skin appearing months or years after treatment (radiation recall dermatitis) l itchy, red rash which can develop in to sores (erythema multiforme) l excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) l swelling of the face l itching (pruritus) l serious illness which causes thickening of the skin and the connective tissue in your internal organs (scleroderma) l muscle spasms l muscle pain (myalgia) or joint pain (arthralgia) l damage to the kidneys by toxins in the blood (toxic nephropathy) l glucose in the urine (nephrogenic diabetes insipidus) l inflammation of the urethra which causes pain and bleeding (haemorrhagic ureteritis) l death of the cells and tissues (necrosis) l decrease in the size of the bladder (bladder contracture) l changes to the cells in the lining of your bladder l increase in the levels of creatinine or urea nitrogen in your blood. Your doctor will do blood tests to test for these l premature labour l infertility. Sperm production in men and egg production in women may be reduced or stop. In some cases this can be permanent l reduced frequency of menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea) l decrease in testicle size (testicular atrophy) l decrease in the hormone oestrogen in the blood l increase in the hormone gonadotrophin in the blood l use in young patients may result in some impairments of future fertility l reduction in growth, deformity or death of a foetus while in the womb l toxic effects on the foetus such as myelosuppression and gastroenteritis l life threatening failure of multiple organs such as heart, lungs, kidney, liver (see symptoms throughout section 4) l general physical deterioration l flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, joint and muscle pain, weakness, tiredness l swelling l injection site reaction.
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see details below). By reporting
you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. UK Yellow Card Scheme www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Cyclophosphamide l Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. l Do not use Cyclophosphamide after the expiry date which is stated on the label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. l Do not store above 25oC. Store in the original container.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. If you have any medicine left over, take it back to your pharmacist.
BAXTER CONFIDENTIAL – INTERNAL USE ONLY
DRAFT
Part Number: HA-30-02-082
Date: 17-MAY-2021
Designer: E.M.
Page: 2 of 2
Colour Reference:
What Cyclophosphamide contains The active substance is Cyclophosphamide and each tablet contains 50 mg. Other ingredients are: maize starch, lactose monohydrate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, talc, magnesium stearate, gelatine, glycerol, sucrose, titanium dioxide (E171), calcium carbonate, macrogol, colloidal anhydrous silica, povidone, carmellose sodium, polysorbate 20, montan glycol wax.
What Cyclophosphamide looks like and contents of the pack Cyclophosphamide Tablets are white, round, coated tablets with a white core. There are 10 tablets in a blister strip and 10 blister strips in a box.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer The Marketing Authorisation holder is: Baxter Healthcare Ltd, Caxton Way, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3SE, United Kingdom Send all enquiries to this address. Cyclophosphamide is manufactured by: Baxter Oncology GmbH Kantstrasse 2, 33790 Halle/Westfalen Germany This leaflet was last revised in 01/2019.
For information about Cyclophosphamide or to request this leaflet in formats such as audio or large print please contact the Marketing Authorisation Holder: Tel: +44 (0)1635 206345. Baxter is a trademark of Baxter International Inc
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Cyclophosphamide Tablets 50 mg comes as tablet containing 50mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Cyclophosphamide Tablets 50 mg is cyclophosphamide monohydrate.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Cyclophosphamide Tablets 50 mg, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Cyclophosphamide is a cytotoxic drug for the treatment of malignant disease in adults and children. As a single agent, it has successfully produced an objective remission in a wide range of malignant conditions. Cyclophosphamide is also frequently used in combination with other cytotoxic drugs, radiotherapy or surgery.
Cyclophosphamide Tablets are for oral use.
Cyclophosphamide should only be used by clinicians experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapy. Cyclophosphamide should only be administered where there are facilities for regular monitoring of clinical, biochemical and haematological parameters before, during, and after administration and under the direction of a specialist oncology service.
Posology
Dosage must be individualized. Doses and duration of treatment and/or treatment intervals depend on the therapeutic indication, the scheme of a combination therapy, the patient's general state of health and organ function, and the results of laboratory monitoring (in particular, blood cell monitoring).
The dosage regimen used for most indications is 100 – 300 mg daily as a single or divided dose.
This treatment should be continued until a clear remission or improvement is seen or be interrupted when the extent of leucopenia becomes unacceptable.
In combination with other cytostatics of similar toxicity, a dose reduction or extension of the therapy-free intervals may be necessary.
Activation of cyclophosphamide requires hepatic metabolism; therefore, oral and intravenous administrations are preferred.
Use of hematopoiesis stimulating agents (colony-stimulating factors and erythropoiesis stimulating agents) may be considered to reduce the risk of myelosuppressive complications and/or help facilitate the delivery of the intended dosing.
During or immediately after the administration, adequate amounts of fluid should be ingested or infused to force diuresis in order to reduce the risk of urinary tract toxicity. Therefore, cyclophosphamide should be administered in the morning. See Section 4.4.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Severe hepatic impairment may be associated with decreased activation of cyclophosphamide. This may alter the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide treatment and should be considered when selecting the dose and interpreting response to the dose selected.
Patients with Renal Impairment
In patients with renal impairment, particularly in patients with severe renal impairment, decreased renal excretion may result in increased plasma levels of cyclophosphamide and its metabolites. This may result in increased toxicity and should be considered when determining the dosage in such patients.
Cyclophosphamide and its metabolites are dialyzable, although there may be differences in clearance depending upon the dialysis system being used. In patients requiring dialysis, use of a consistent interval between cyclophosphamide administration and dialysis should be considered. See Section 4.4.
Elderly
In elderly patients, monitoring for toxicities and the need for dose adjustment should reflect the higher frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, cardiac, or other organ function, and concomitant diseases or other drug therapy in this population.
Children
No specific information. Children have received Cyclophosphamide. No adverse reactions specific to this group have been reported.
Method of Administration
Cyclophosphamide Tablets should be swallowed with sufficient fluid without chewing. The tablets are coated and should not be divided before use.
Cyclophosphamide is contra-indicated in patients with:
• hypersensitivity to cyclophosphamide or to any of its metabolites.
• acute infections,
• bone-marrow aplasia,
• urinary tract infection
• acute urothelial toxicity from cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Urinary outflow obstruction.
Cyclophosphamide should not be used in the management of non-malignant disease, except for immunosuppression in life-threatening situations.
Cyclophosphamide is contra-indicated during pregnancy. See section 4.4 and 4.6.
WARNINGS
Anaphylactic Reactions, Cross-sensitivity with Other Alkylating Agents
Anaphylactic reactions including those with fatal outcomes have been reported in association with cyclophosphamide.
Possible cross-sensitivity with other alkylating agents has been reported.
Myelosuppression, Immunosuppression, Infections
Treatment with cyclophosphamide may cause myelosuppression and significant suppression of immune responses.
Cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression can cause leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia (associated with a higher risk of bleeding events), and anaemia.
Severe immunosuppression has lead to serious, sometimes fatal, infections. Sepsis and septic shock have also been reported. Infections reported with cyclophosphamide include pneumonias, as well as other bacterial, fungal, viral, protozoal, and parasitic infections.
Latent infections can be reactivated. Reactivation has been reported for various bacterial, fungal, viral, protozoal, and parasitic infections.
Infections must be treated appropriately.
Antimicrobial prophylaxis may be indicated in certain cases of neutropenia at the discretion of the managing physician.
In case of neutropenic fever, antibiotics and/or antimycotics must be given.
Cyclophosphamide should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with severe impairment of bone marrow function and in patients with severe immunosuppression.
Unless essential, cyclophosphamide should not be administered to patients with a leukocyte count below 2500 cells/microlitre (cells/ mm3 and/or a platelet count below 50,000 cells/microlitre (cells/mm3).
Cyclophosphamide treatment may not be indicated, or should be interrupted, or the dose reduced, in patients who have or who develop a serious infection.
In principle, the fall in the peripheral blood cell and thrombocyte count and the time taken to recover may increase with increasing doses of cyclophosphamide.
The nadirs of the reduction in leukocyte count and thrombocyte count are usually reached in weeks 1 and 2 of treatment. The bone marrow recovers relatively quickly, and the levels of peripheral blood cell counts normalize, as a rule, after approximately 20 days.
Severe myelosuppression must be expected particularly in patients pretreated with and/or receiving concomitant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Close haematological monitoring is required for all patients during treatment.
Urinary Tract and Renal Toxicity
Hemorrhagic cystitis, pyelitis, ureteritis, and haematuria have been reported with cyclophosphamide therapy. Bladder ulceration/necrosis, fibrosis/contracture and secondary cancer may develop.
Urotoxicity may mandate interruption of treatment.
Cystectomy may become necessary due to fibrosis, bleeding, or secondary malignancy.
Cases of urotoxicity with fatal outcomes have been reported.
Urotoxicity can occur with short-term and long-term use of cyclophosphamide. Hemorrhagic cystitis after single doses of cyclophosphamide has been reported.
Past or concomitant radiation or busulfan treatment may increase the risk for cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.
Cystitis is, in general, initially abacterial. Secondary bacterial colonization may follow.
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to exclude or correct any urinary tract obstructions. See Section 4.3.
Urinary sediment should be checked regularly for the presence of erythrocytes and other signs of uro/nephrotoxicity.
Cyclophosphamide should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active urinary tract infections.
Adequate treatment with mesna and/or strong hydration to force dieresis can markedly reduce the frequency and severity of bladder toxicity. It is important to ensure that patients empty the bladder at regular intervals.
Hematuria usually resolves in a few days after cyclophosphamide treatment is stopped, but it may persist.
It is usually necessary to discontinue cyclophosphamide therapy in instances of severe hemorrhagic cystitis.
Cyclophosphamide has also been associated with nephrotoxicity, including renal tubular necrosis.
Hyponatremia associated with increased total body water, acute water intoxication, and a syndrome resembling SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone) have been reported in association with cyclophosphamide administration. Fatal outcomes have been reported.
Cardiotoxicity, Use in Patients with Cardiac Disease
Myocarditis and myopericarditis, which may be accompanied by significant pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade, have been reported with cyclophosphamide therapy and have led to severe, sometimes fatal congestive heart failure.
Histopathologic examination has primarily shown hemorrhagic myocarditis. Haemopericardium has occurred secondary to hemorrhagic myocarditis and myocardial necrosis.
Acute cardiac toxicity has been reported with a single dose of less than 2mg/kg cyclophosphamide.
Following exposure to treatment regimens that included cyclophosphamide, supraventricular arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and flutter) as well as ventricular arrhythmias (including severe QT prolongation associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmia) have been reported in patients with and without other signs of cardiotoxicity.
The risk of cyclophosphamide cardiotoxicity may be increased for example, following high doses of cyclophosphamide, in patients with advanced age, and in patients with previous radiation treatment of the cardiac region and/or previous or concomitant treatment with other cardiotoxic agents. See Section 4.5.
Particular caution is necessary in patients with risk factors for cardiotoxicity and in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease.
Pulmonary Toxicity
Pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis have been reported during and following treatment with cyclophosphamide. Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and other forms of pulmonary toxicity have also been reported.
Pulmonary toxicity leading to respiratory failure has been reported.
While the incidence of cyclophosphamide-associated pulmonary toxicity is low, prognosis for affected patients is poor.
Late onset of pneumonitis (greater than 6 months after start of cyclophosphamide) appears to be associated with a particularly high mortality. Pneumonitis may develop even years after treatment with cyclophosphamide.
Acute pulmonary toxicity has been reported after a single cyclophosphamide dose.
Secondary Malignancies
As with all cytotoxic therapy, treatment with cyclophosphamide involves the risk of secondary tumours and their precursors as late sequelae.
The risk of urinary tract cancer as well as the risk of myelodysplastic alterations, partly progressing to acute leukemias, is increased. Other malignancies reported after use of cyclophosphamide or regimens with cyclophosphamide include lymphoma, thyroid cancer, and sarcomas.
In some cases, the second malignancy developed several years after cyclophosphamide treatment had been discontinued. Malignancy has also been reported after in utero exposure.
Veno-occlusive Liver Disease
Veno-occlusive liver disease (VOLD) has been reported in patients receiving cyclophosphamide.
A cytoreductive regimen in preparation for bone marrow transplantation that consists of cyclophosphamide in combination with whole-body irradiation, busulfan, or other agents has been identified (see Section 4.5) as a major risk factor for the development of VOLD. After cytoreductive therapy, the clinical syndrome typically develops 1 to 2 weeks after transplantation and is characterized by sudden weight gain, painful hepatomegaly, ascites, and hyperbilirubinemia/jaundice.
However, VOLD has also been reported to develop gradually in patients receiving long-term low-dose immunosuppressive doses of cyclophosphamide.
As a complication of VOLD, hepatorenal syndrome and multiorgan failure may develop. Fatal outcome of cyclophosphamide-associated VOLD has been reported.
Risk factors predisposing a patient to the development of VOLD with high-dose cytoreductive therapy include:
– preexisting disturbances of hepatic function,– previous radiation therapy of the abdomen, and a– low performance score.
Genotoxicity
Cyclophosphamide is genotoxic and mutagenic, both in somatic and in male and female germ cells. Therefore, women should not become pregnant and men should not father a child during therapy with cyclophosphamide. Both women and men should wait at least 6 to 12 months after stopping Cyclophosphamide before attempting to conceive or father a child.
Animal data indicate that exposure of oocytes during follicular development may result in a decreased rate of implantations and viable pregnancies, and in an increased risk of malformations. This effect should be considered in case of intended fertilization or pregnancy after discontinuation of cyclophosphamide therapy. The exact duration of follicular development in humans is not known, but may be longer than 12 months.
Sexually active women and men should use effective methods of contraception during these periods of time.
Fertility, see section 4.6.
Impairment of Wound Healing
Cyclophosphamide may interfere with normal wound healing.
PRECAUTIONS
Alopecia
Alopecia has been reported and may occur more commonly with increasing doses.
Alopecia may progress to baldness.
The hair can be expected to grow back after treatment with the drug or even during continued drug treatment, though it may be different in texture or colour.
Nausea and Vomiting
Administration of cyclophosphamide may cause nausea and vomiting.
Current guidelines on the use of antiemetics for prevention and amelioration of nausea and vomiting should be considered.
Alcohol consumption may increase cyclophosphamide-induced vomiting and nausea.
Stomatitis
Administration of cyclophosphamide may cause stomatitis (oral mucositis).
Current guidelines on measures for prevention and amelioration of stomatitis should be considered.
Paravenous Administration
The cytostatic effect of cyclophosphamide occurs after its activation, which takes place mainly in the liver. Therefore, the risk of tissue injury from accidental paravenous administration is low.
In case of accidental paravenous administration of cyclophosphamide, the infusion should be stopped immediately, the extravascular cyclophosphamide solution should be aspirated with the cannula in place, and other measures should be instituted as appropriate.
Use in Patients with Renal Impairment
In patients with renal impairment, particularly in patients with severe renal impairment, decreased renal excretion may result in increased plasma levels of cyclophosphamide and its metabolites. This may result in increased toxicity and should be considered when determining the dosage in such patients. See Section 4.2.
Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Severe hepatic impairment may be associated with decreased activation of cyclophosphamide. This may alter the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide treatment and should be considered when selecting the dose and interpreting response to the dose selected.
Use in Adrenalectomized Patients
Patients with adrenal insufficiency may require an increase in corticoid substitution dose when exposed to stress from toxicity due to cytostatics, including cyclophosphamide.
Planned coadministration or sequential administration of other substances or treatments that could increase the likelihood or severity of toxic effects (by means of pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interactions) requires careful individual assessment of the expected benefit and the risks.
Patients receiving such combinations must be monitored closely for signs of toxicity to permit timely intervention. Patients being treated with cyclophosphamide and agents that reduce its activation should be monitored for a potential reduction of therapeutic effectiveness and the need for dose adjustment.
Interactions Affecting the Pharmacokinetics of Cyclophosphamide and its Metabolites
• Reduced activation of cyclophosphamide may alter the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide treatment. Substances that delay activation of cyclophosphamide include:
– Aprepitant
– Bupropion
– Busulfan: Cyclophosphamide clearance has been reported to be reduced and half-life prolonged in patients who receive high-dose cyclophosphamide less than 24 hours after high-dose busulfan.
– Ciprofloxacin: When given prior to the treatment with cyclophosphamide (used for conditioning prior to bone marrow transplantation), ciprofloxacin has been reported to result in a relapse of the underlying disease.
– Chloramphenicol
– Fluconazole
– Itraconazole
– Prasugrel
– Sulfonamides
– Thiotepa: A strong inhibition of cyclophosphamide bioactivation by thiotepa in high-dose chemotherapy regimens has been reported when thiotepa was administered 1 hour prior to cyclophosphamide.
• An increase of the concentration of cytotoxic metabolites may occur with:
– Allopurinol
– Chloral hydrate
– Cimetidine
– Disulfiram
– Glyceraldehyde
– Inducers of human hepatic and extrahepatic microsomal enzymes (e.g., cytochrome P450 enzymes): The potential for hepatic and extrahepatic microsomal enzyme induction must be considered in case of prior or concomitant treatment with substances known to induce an increased activity of such enzymes such as rifampin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's wort, and corticosteroids.
– Protease inhibitors: Concomitant use of protease inhibitors may increase the concentration of cytotoxic metabolites. Use of protease inhibitor-based regimens was found to be associated with a higher incidence of infections and neutropenia in patients receiving cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide (CDE) than use of an NNRTI-based regimen.
• Ondansetron
There have been reports of a pharmacokinetic interaction between ondansetron and high-dose cyclophosphamide resulting in decreased cyclophosphamide AUC.
Pharmacodynamic Interactions and Interactions of Unknown Mechanism Affecting the Use of Cyclophosphamide
Combined or sequential use of cyclophosphamide and other agents with similar toxicities can cause combined (increased) toxic effects.
• Increased hematotoxicity and/or immunosuppression may result from a combined effect of cyclophosphamide and, for example
– ACE inhibitors: ACE inhibitors can cause leukopenia.
– Natalizumab
– Paclitaxel: Increased hematotoxicity has been reported when cyclophosphamide was administered after paclitaxel infusion.
– Thiazide diuretics
– Zidovudine
– Clozapine
• Increased cardiotoxicity may result from a combined effect of cyclophosphamide and, for example
– Anthracyclines
– Cytarabine
– Pentostatin
– Radiation therapy of the cardiac region
– Trastuzumab
• Increased pulmonary toxicity may result from a combined effect of cyclophosphamide and, for example
– Amiodarone
– G-CSF, GM-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor): Reports suggest an increased risk of pulmonary toxicity in patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy that includes cyclophosphamide and G-CSF or GMCSF.
• Increased nephrotoxicity may result from a combined effect of cyclophosphamide and, for example
– Amphotericin B
– Indomethacin: Acute water intoxication has been reported with concomitant use of indomethacin.
• Increase in other toxicities
– Azathioprine: Increased risk of hepatotoxicity (liver necrosis)
– Busulfan: Increased incidence of hepatic veno-occlusive disease and mucositis has been reported.
– Protease inhibitors: Increased incidence of mucositis.
Other interactions
• Alcohol
A reduced antitumor activity was observed in tumor-bearing animals during ethanol (alcohol) consumption and concomitant oral low-dose cyclophosphamide medication.
In some patients, alcohol may increase cyclophosphamide-induced vomiting and nausea.
• Etanercept
In patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, the addition of etanercept to standard treatment, including cyclophosphamide, was associated with a higher incidence of non-cutaneous solid malignancies.
• Metronidazole
Acute encephalopathy has been reported in a patient receiving cyclophosphamide and metronidazole. Causal association is unclear.
In an animal study, the combination of cyclophosphamide with metronidazole was associated with increased cyclophosphamide toxicity.
• Tamoxifen
Concomitant use of tamoxifen and chemotherapy may increase the risk of thromboembolic complications.
Interactions Affecting the Pharmacokinetics and/or Actions of Other Drugs
• Bupropion
Cyclophosphamide metabolism by CYP2B6 may inhibit bupropion metabolism.
• Coumarins
Both increased and decreased warfarin effect have been reported in patients receiving warfarin and cyclophosphamide.
• Cyclosporine
Lower serum concentrations of cyclosporine have been observed in patients receiving a combination of cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine than in patients receiving only cyclosporine. This interaction may result in an increased incidence of graft-versus-host disease.
• Depolarizing muscle relaxants
Cyclophosphamide treatment causes a marked and persistent inhibition of cholinesterase activity. Prolonged apnea may occur with concurrent depolarizing muscle relaxants (e.g., succinylcholine). If a patient has been treated with cyclophosphamide within 10 days of general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist should be alerted.
• Digoxin, β-acetyldigoxin
Cytotoxic treatment has been reported to impair intestinal absorption of digoxin and β-acetyldigoxin tablets.
• Vaccines
The immunosuppressive effects of cyclophosphamide can be expected to reduce the response to vaccination. Use of live vaccines may lead to vaccine-induced infection.
• Verapamil
Cytotoxic treatment has been reported to impair intestinal absorption of orally administered verapamil
Pregnancy
Cyclophosphamide is contraindicated in pregnancy (see section 4.3). Cyclophosphamide crosses the placental barrier. Treatment with cyclophosphamide has a genotoxic effect and may cause foetal damage when administered to pregnant women. Both women and men should wait at least 6 to 12 months after stopping Cyclophosphamide before attempting to conceive or father a child.
• Malformations have been reported in children born to mothers treated with cyclophosphamide during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, there are also reports of children without malformations born to women exposed during the first trimester.
• Exposure to cyclophosphamide in utero may cause miscarriage, foetal growth retardation, and foetotoxic effects manifesting in the newborn, including leukopenia, anaemia, pancytopenia, severe bone marrow hypoplasia, and gastroenteritis.
• Animal data suggest that an increased risk of failed pregnancy and malformations may persist after discontinuation of cyclophosphamide as long as oocytes/follicles exist that were exposed to cyclophosphamide during any of their maturation phases. See Section 4.4, Genotoxicity.
• If cyclophosphamide is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug or after treatment (see Section 4.4, Genotoxicity), the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a foetus.
Breastfeeding
Cyclophosphamide is passed into the breast milk. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, low hemoglobin, and diarrhoea have been reported in children breast fed by women treated with cyclophosphamide. Women must not breastfeed during treatment with cyclophosphamide.
Fertility
Cyclophosphamide interferes with oogenesis and spermatogenesis. It may cause sterility in both sexes.
Development of sterility appears to depend on the dose of cyclophosphamide, duration of therapy, and the state of gonadal function at the time of treatment.
Cyclophosphamide-induced sterility may be irreversible in some patients.
Sexually active women and men should use effective methods of contraception during these periods of time.
• Female patients
Amenorrhea, transient or permanent, associated with decreased oestrogen and increased gonadotrophin secretion develops in a significant proportion of women treated with cyclophosphamide.
For older women, in particular, amenorrhea may be permanent.
Oligomenorrhea has also been reported in association with cyclophosphamide treatment.
Girls treated with cyclophosphamide during prepubescence generally develop secondary sexual characteristics normally and have regular menses.
Girls treated with cyclophosphamide during prepubescence subsequently have conceived.
Girls treated with cyclophosphamide who have retained ovarian function after completing treatment are at increased risk of developing premature menopause (cessation of menses before age of 40 years).
• Male patients
Men treated with cyclophosphamide may develop oligospermia or azoospermia, which are normally associated with increased gonadotrophin but normal testosterone secretion.
Sexual potency and libido generally are unimpaired in these patients.
Boys treated with cyclophosphamide during prepubescence may develop secondary sexual characteristics normally, but may have oligospermia or azoospermia.
Some degree of testicular atrophy may occur.
Cyclophosphamide-induced azoospermia is reversible in some patients, though the reversibility may not occur for several years after cessation of therapy.
Patients undergoing treatment with cyclophosphamide may experience undesirable effects (including, e.g., dizziness, blurred vision, visual impairment) which could affect the ability to drive or use machines. The decision to drive or operate machinery should be made on an individual basis.
ADR frequency is based upon the following scale: Very Common (≥1/10); Common (≥1/100 - <1/10), Uncommon (≥1/1,000 - <1/100), Rare (≥1/10,000 - <1/1,000), Very Rare (<1/10,000), Unknown (adverse reactions reported in the post-marketing experience)
System Organ Class
Preferred term
Frequency
Infections and infestations
Infections1
Pneumonia2
Sepsis1
Septic shock
Common
Uncommon
Uncommon
Not Known
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cycts and polyps)
Acute leukemia3
Myelodysplastic syndrome
Secondary tumours
Bladder cancer
Tumour lysis syndrome
Rare
Rare
Rare
Rare
Not known
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Myelosuppression 4
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC )
Lymphopenia
Very common
Very common
Very rare
Not known
Immune system disorders
Immunosuppression
Anaphylactic/Anaphylactoid reaction
Hypersensitivity reaction
Very common
Very rare
Uncommon
Endocrine disorders
SIADH
Rare
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Anorexia
Dehydration
Hyponatraemia
Fluid retention
Blood glucose changes (increase or decrease)
Uncommon
Rare
Very rare
Very rare
Not known
Psychiatric disorders
Confusion
Very rare
Nervous system disorders
Dizziness
Convulsion
Neurotoxicity5
Encephalopathy
Rare
Very rare
Unknown
Unknown
Eye disorders
Conjunctivitis
Eye Oedema
Visual impairment
Lacrimation increased
Very Rare
Very Rare
Rare
Not known
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Deafness
Tinnitus
Not known
Not known
Cardiac disorders
Ventricular fibrillation
Ventricular tachycardia
Cardiogenic shock
Pericardial effusion
Myocardial infarction
Cardiac failure
Cardiomyopathy
Myocarditis
Pericarditis
Electrocardiogram QT prolonged
Arrhythmias6
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Vascular disorders
Flushing
Pulmonary embolism
Venous thrombosis
Vasculitis
Peripheral ischaemia
Uncommon
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Interstitial Lung Diseases7
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary oedema
Bronchospasm
Dyspnea
Hypoxia
Cough
Nasal congestion
Rhinorrhea
Oropharyngeal pain
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Gastrointestinal disorders
Enterocolitis haemorrhagic
Acute pancreatitis
Mucosal ulceration
Stomatitis
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Constipation
Nausea
Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage
Colitis
Enteritis
Cecitis
Abdominal pain
Parotid gland inflammation
Very rare
Very rare
Very rare
Very rare
Very rare
Very rare
Very rare
Very rare
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Hepatobiliary disorders
Hepatic function abnormal
Veno-occlusive disorder
Hepatitis
Cholestasis
Hepatotoxicity8
Common
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Alopecia
Rash
Dermatitis
Discoloration of the palms, fingernails, soles
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Stevens Johnson syndrome
Erythema multiforme
Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia
Radiation recall dermatitis
Erythema in irradiated area
Pruritus (including inflammatory itching)
Erythema
Urticaria
Blisters
Facial swelling
Hyperhidrosis
Very common
Rare
Rare
Rare
Very rare
Very rare
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Rhabdomyolysis
Scleroderma
Muscle spasms
Myalgia
Arthralgia
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Renal and urinary disorders
Cystitis
Microhematuria
Haemorrhagic cystitis
Macrohematuria
Suburethral bleeding
Oedema of the bladder wall
Interstitial inflammation, fibrosis, and sclerosis of bladder
Renal failure
Blood creatinine increased
Renal tubular necrosis
Renal tubular disorder
Nephropathy toxic
Hemorrhagic ureteritis
Cystitis ulcerative
Bladder contracture
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Atypical urinary bladder epithelial cells
Blood urea nitrogen increased
Very common
Very common
Common
Common
Very rare
Very rare
Very rare
Very rare
Very rare
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions
Premature labour
Not known
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Impairment of spermatogenesis
Ovulation disorder
Amenorrhoea9
Azoospermia9
Oligospermia9
Infertility
Ovarian Failure
Oligomenorrhoea,
Testicular atrophy
Blood oestrogen decreased
Blood gonadotrophin increased
Common
Uncommon
Rare
Rare
Rare
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Congenital, familial and genetic disorders
Intra-uterine death
Fetal malformation
Fetal growth retardation
Fetal toxicity (including myelosuppression/gastroenteritis)
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fever
Asthenia
Mucosal inflammation
Chest pain
Headache
Injection/infusion site reactions10
Multiorgan failure
Oedema
Influenza-like illness
General physical deterioration
Very common
Common
Common
Rare
Very Rare
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Not known
Investigations
Blood lactate hydrogenase increased
C-reactive protein increased
Not known
Not known
1 including other bacterial, fungal, viral, protozoal, parasitic, reactivation of latent infections, including viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, JC virus with progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (including fatal outcomes), Pneumocystis jiroveci, herpes zoster, Strongyloides
2 including fatal outcomes
3 including acute myeloid leukemia, acute promyelocytic leukemia
4 manifested as Bone marrow failure, Pancytopenia, Neutropaenia, Agranulocytosis, Granulocytopenia,Thrombocytopaenia (complicated by bleeding), Leukopenia, Anaemia
5 manifested as reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, myelopathy, peripheral neuropathy, polyneuropathy,neuralgia, dysesthesia, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, tremor, dysgeusia, hypogeusia,parosmia.
6 manifested as Atrial fibrillation,Supraventricular arrhythmia ,Ventricular arrhythmia, Bradycardia, Tachycardia,Palpitation
7 manifested by pulmonary fibrosis, obliterative bronchiolitis, organizing pneumonia, alveolitis allergic, pneumonitis
8 Hepatic failure, Hepatic encephalopathy, Ascites, Hepatomegaly, Jaundice, Blood bilirubin increased, Hepatic enzymes increased (ASAT, ALAT, ALP, gamma-GT)
9 persistent
10 manifested by thrombosis, necrosis, phlebitis, inflammation, pain, swelling, erythema.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via:
Malta
ADR reporting
Website: www.medicines authority.gov.mt/adrportal
UK
Yellow card scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Serious consequences of overdosage include manifestations of dose dependent toxicities such as myelosuppression, urotoxicity, cardiotoxicity (including cardiac failure), veno-occlusive hepatic disease, and stomatitis. See Section 4.4.
Patients who received an overdose should be closely monitored for the development of toxicities, and haematotoxicity in particular.
No specific antidote for cyclophosphamide is known.
Cyclophophamide and its metabolites are dialysable. Consider haemodialysis in cases of severe overdose presenting early, particularly in patients with renal impairment
Overdosage should be managed with supportive measures, including appropriate, state-of-the-art treatment for any concurrent infection, myelosuppression, or other toxicity, should it occur.
Cystitis prophylaxis with mesna may be helpful in preventing or limiting urotoxic effects with cyclophosphamide overdose.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Cyclophosphamide Tablets 50 mg. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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