Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Procytox (Cyclophosphamide).
Anemia: Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Birth control: If you or your partner is of childbearing age, talk to your doctor about appropriate birth control while using Procytox (Cyclophosphamide). Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) is expected to cause birth defects, if the fetus is exposed to the medication during pregnancy. Men who are taking Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) should not father a child for at least 6 months after completing treatment with Procytox (Cyclophosphamide).
Bleeding: Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) can cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by Procytox (Cyclophosphamide).
Heart problems: Inflammation of the heart and irregular heart rhythms have been reported with Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) use. If you have heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Procytox (Cyclophosphamide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of irregular heartbeat or decreased heart function, such as
shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, swollen ankles, or rapid weight gain, contact your doctor immediately.
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) reduces the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: The kidneys are partially responsible for removing Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) from your body. Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Procytox (Cyclophosphamide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) may not be as effective when used by people with severely reduced liver function. It may also cause blockage of some of the veins in the liver, causing weight gain, enlargement of the liver, fluid build-up in the abdomen, and jaundice. If you experience any symptoms of liver problems, contact your doctor immediately.
Lung inflammation: Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) can cause severe inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis). It has also been reported to cause blockage in the veins in the lungs. Pneumonitis has been reported to develop at any point in treatment with Procytox (Cyclophosphamide). Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience difficulty breathing, cough, a burning sensation in your chest, or symptoms of not getting enough oxygen, such as a bluish discolouration to the lips or fingernail, unusual fatigue, or weight loss.
Other cancers: The use of Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) may increase your risk of developing other types of cancers, including bladder or urinary tract cancer, lymphoma (cancer of the lymph tissue), and Thyroid cancer. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.
Surgery: If you are scheduled to have surgery, inform the doctors involved in your care if you have taken Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) within the last 10 days.
Urinary tract problems: Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) can cause damage to the bladder. The risk of developing bladder problems can be reduced by making sure that you consume a large amount of water. It is also important to empty your bladder (urinate) on a regular basis. If you experience symptoms of burning or pain on urination, or blood in your urine, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Vaccines: As a result of the decreased effectiveness of the immune system, vaccines may not be as effective as they are when given to people with a strong immune system. Vaccines are generally not recommended to be given to people who are being treated with Procytox (Cyclophosphamide).
Pregnancy: Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) is expected to be harmful to the developing baby if it is used by the mother during pregnancy. It is best for both men and women to use birth control while being treated with this drug. Tell the doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this drug. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding: Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and taking Procytox (Cyclophosphamide), it may affect your baby. Women are advised not breast-feed while receiving Procytox (Cyclophosphamide) treatment.
