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Cytoxan – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Monday, August 27, 2018 by

Cytoxan is the brand name of the generic drug known as cyclophosphamide. This type of cancer medication is used alone or in combination with other medications for the treatment of certain cancers and diseases, such as breast cancer, leukemia, ovarian cancer, and nephrotic syndrome. It is sometimes given as a pill or liquid, or as an injection into a vein through an IV.

The drug belongs to a class of medications known as alkylating agents. When used to treat cancer, it works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body; and when it is used to treat nephrotic syndrome, it works by suppressing the immune system of the body. In some cases, Cytoxan is also used to treat a certain type of lung cancer called small cell lung cancer (SCLC), rhabdomyosarcoma (a type of cancer of the muscles), and Ewing’s sarcoma (a type of bone cancer) in children.

Cytoxan should not be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women as it may harm the baby and those who are allergic to cyclophosphamide. It should also not be used with drugs, such as phenobarbital and drugs that weaken the immune system, such as medicines for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders.

Known side effects of Cytoxan

The common side effects of Cytoxan include the following:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Hair loss and baldness
  • Low platelet and white blood cell counts
  • Missed periods and the inability to conceive
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin darkening, a rash, and changes in nails
  • Stomach pain

Cytoxan can also cause serious side effects that may need immediate medical attention. These include the following:

  • Bladder infection and stiffening of bladder tissue (urinary fibrosis)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Nerve damage
  • New cancers
  • Reduction in red and white blood cells and platelets
  • Severe and potentially life-threatening skin reaction
  • Weakened immune system and serious infections

Body systems that may be harmed by Cytoxan

The body systems harmed by Cytoxan include the immune, excretory, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Cytoxan’s side effects

The following food items can help prevent and treat diarrhea, one of the common side effects of Cytoxan:

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Banana
  • Chamomile tea
  • Fenugreek seeds
  • Ginger
  • Yogurt

Treatments, management plans for Cytoxan’s side effects

The following are some natural remedies for low platelet count, one of the serious side effects of Cubicin:

  • Eating foods and nutrients that increase platelet count – Foods rich in vitamin B12, folate, iron, and vitamin C can increase platelet count.
  • Avoiding foods that decrease platelet count – There are also some foods that can decrease platelet counts, such as quinine (which is found in tonic water), alcohol, cranberry juice, cow’s milk, and tahini.
  • Taking natural supplements – There are also natural supplements that can help raise the number of platelets in the body. These include papaya leaf extract, bovine colostrum, and melatonin.

Where to learn more

Summary

Cytoxan (generic name: cyclophosphamide) is used to treat certain cancers and diseases, such as breast cancer, leukemia, ovarian cancer, and nephrotic syndrome.

Cytoxan is used alone or in combination with other medications.

Cytoxan belongs to a class of medications known as alkylating agents.

Cytoxan commonly causes decreased appetite, diarrhea, hair loss and baldness, low platelet and white blood cell counts, missed periods, infertility, nausea and vomiting, skin darkening, rash, changes in nails, and stomach pain.

Sources include:

Drugs.com

MedicineNet.com

MedlinePlus.gov

EverydayHealth.com

RxList.com

Top10HomeRemedies.com

Healthline.com



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