Cytoxan^®

Cytoxan^® belongs to a group of anticancer drugs known as alkylating agents. This means that they interfere with the normal growth process of malignant cells (tumors) causing tumor growth to slow or stop. It may also prevent tumors from being able to repair damage caused to them by cancer treatment.

Cytoxan^® can be prescribed for a number of different cancer types, including: leukemia, malignant lymphomas, multiple myeloma, advanced mycosis fungoides, neuroblastoma, and ovarian cancer.

While Cytoxan^® can be a beneficial treatment option for a number of patients, your cancer care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) can work with you to determine if Cytoxan^® would be a good choice.

Along with Cytoxan^®, your oncology team will also discuss a range of conventional and complementary treatment options with you, keeping you well informed of the benefits and obstacles associated with each.

Through a combination of traditional and innovative cancer treatment options, we treat all of you, not just your cancer. If you would like to learn more, you can chat now with an oncology specialist from CTCA.

Users of Cytoxan^® have experienced a number of side effects. Some serious side effects require immediate attention. They may include:

• Fever/chills
• Hoarseness or coughing
• Pain in lower back, side, or joints
• Missing menstrual periods
• Yellowing of the eyes
• Confusion, agitation, or dizziness
• Increased heartbeat and/or shortness of breath
• Swelling in feet and/or lower legs
• Fatigue
• Unusual thirst
• Changes in urination
  • Pain or strain
  • Blood
  • Increase in frequency
• Changes in stools
  • Blackening color
  • Presence of blood
  • Tarry texture
• Changes to skin
  • Development of tiny red spots
  • Unusual bruising/bleeding
  • Swelling, redness, or pain at injection location
  • Development of sores on the lips or in the mouth
  • Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

In most instances, though, Cytoxan^® presents less serious side effects. In these cases, the side effects are felt as the body gets used to having Cytoxan^® in its system. These less serious side effects of Cytoxan^® can include:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Darker appearance of skin and fingernails
• Redness of face
• Sweating more frequently and/or more profusely
• Itchy skin, rash, or hives
• Swelling of the lips

Because each person's level of health, medical history and roster of allergies is different, some side effects that are not listed here may also develop. If you notice a change in your body that you believe to be a side effect of taking Cytoxan^®, we encourage you to contact your doctor right away. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your cancer care team can discuss the potential side effects of Cytoxan^® with you in greater detail.

Leukemia is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow and promotes the uncontrollable production of developing, immature marrow cells.

Lymphomas are cancers of the lymph nodes and comprise about five percent of cancers in the United States. Lymphomas are also categorized as Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in the immune system and affects the plasma types of white blood cells. Occasionally these cancer cells collect to form a tumor known as a plasmacytoma.

Advanced mycosis fungoides is a type of T-cell lymphoma that affects the skin, causing the skin to collected lymphocytes into nodes. If left untreated, advanced mycosis fungoides may also spread to other parts of the body.

Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor that usually grows in the undeveloped nerve cells of the adrenal gland (located at the top of the kidney).

Ovarian cancer is characterized by the uncontrollable growth of ovarian cells in or on both ovaries. There are there main types of ovarian cancer: epithelial ovarian cancer, germ-call tumors, and stromal tumors.

Based on your type of cancer and other health-related issues, your team of specialists at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) can help you determine if Cytoxan^® is an option for your treatment plan. To learn more, please contact CTCA today at 1-800-615-3055.