cyclophosphamide (oral/injection)

Generic Name: cyclophosphamide (oral/injection)

What is cyclophosphamide?

Cyclophosphamide is used to treat several types of cancer.

Cyclophosphamide is also used to treat minimal change nephrotic syndrome (kidney disease) in children who cannot use other treatments or when other treatments have failed.


What are the possible side effects of cyclophosphamide?


Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • new worsening cough, shortness of breath, trouble breathing while lying down;
  • pink or red urine, pain or burning when you urinate;
  • any wound that will not heal;
  • heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
  • liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), bloating, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • low sodium level--headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady; or
  • low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, blisters or ulcers in your mouth, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:


What is the most important information I should know about cyclophosphamide?

You should not use cyclophosphamide if you have a bladder obstruction or other urination problems.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using cyclophosphamide?

You should not use cyclophosphamide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • a bladder obstruction.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • an active or chronic infection (including a bladder infection);
  • bladder problems;
  • kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  • lung disease;
  • heart disease;
  • liver disease; or
  • if you are receiving other cancer treatments or radiation.

Using cyclophosphamide may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer such as bladder cancer, thyroid cancer, or leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.

Cyclophosphamide can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

  • If you are a woman, do not use cyclophosphamide if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 year after your last dose.
  • Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using cyclophosphamide.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because cyclophosphamide can harm an unborn baby.

Cyclophosphamide may cause you to stop having menstrual periods. Your periods should return to normal within a few months after you stop using cyclophosphamide. However, older women may have early menopause due to this effect. Talk to your doctor about this risk.

You should not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.

How is cyclophosphamide given?


Cyclophosphamide oral is taken by mouth.


Drink plenty of liquids each day to prevent harmful effects on your bladder.





Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.


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What happens if I miss a dose?


Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of cyclophosphamide injection.

What happens if I overdose?


Overdose symptoms may include mouth sores, trouble breathing, fast heartbeats, rapid weight gain, stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

What should I avoid while using cyclophosphamide?



What other drugs will affect cyclophosphamide?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect cyclophosphamide, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect cyclophosphamide. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about cyclophosphamide.


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Reviewed on 7/12/2021

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