What instructions should be given to a patient taking cyclophosphamide?
Take cyclophosphamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Can I take vitamins while on chemo?
The use of dietary supplements is common including after a cancer diagnosis. However, taking dietary supplements before and during chemotherapy may reduce the ability of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells.
How do you manage the side effects of cyclophosphamide?
Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
What is the nursing consideration for cyclophosphamide?
Watch for signs of leukopenia (fever, sore throat, signs of infection), thrombocytopenia (bruising, nose bleeds, and bleeding gums), or unusual weakness and fatigue that might be due to anemia. Report these signs to the physician or nursing staff immediately.
What supplements can you take during chemo?
Selenium, folic acid and probiotics have been found to be safe for use during chemotherapy treatment.
What supplements to avoid while on chemotherapy?
Echinacea, curcumin, St. John's wort, valerian root, and allium (an extract of garlic) — all are examples of herbal supplements that can disrupt the toxicity-efficacy balance of chemotherapy.
Should cyclophosphamide be taken with food?
Usually it is best to take cyclophosphamide first thing in the morning, to reduce the risk of bladder problems. However, your doctor may want you to take it with food in smaller doses over the day, to lessen stomach upset or help the medicine work better.
What should the nurse educate a patient that is taking oral cyclophosphamide?
Drink plenty of fluids while being treated with cyclophosphamide, as this drug can irritate your kidneys and bladder. Cyclophosphamide has been associated with the development of certain types of cancers. Talk with your doctor about the potential risk of developing cancer.
When is mesna required with cyclophosphamide?
Mesna should always be given with ifosfamide and high dose cyclophosphamide if hyperhydration is not being used.
What is the mechanism of action of cyclophosphamide?
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent of the nitrogen mustard type. 2 An activated form of cyclophosphamide, phosphoramide mustard, alkylates, or binds, to DNA. Its cytotoxic effect is mainly due to cross-linking of strands of DNA and RNA, and to inhibition of protein synthesis.
What are the side effects of Cytoxan?
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach ache, diarrhea, or darkening of the skin/nails may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
Does cyclophosphamide cause neutropenia?
To avoid the interaction of the animal immune system, in vivo antibiotic pharmacodynamic studies often employ cyclophosphamide (CPM) to induce neutropenia.