Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug, it is used to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. It has comparatively little toxicity and most patients tolerate cyclophosphamide well, many don’t have any side effects at all.  The benefit-to-risk  issue should be discussed with the doctor prescribing cyclophosphamide.

It is important to know that cyclophosphamide side effects are:

• Predictable as to beginning, severity and duration. The severity depends on the dosage of cyclophosphamide.
• Almost always reversible, the side effects go away when the treatment course is over. The period of restoration is also predictable.
• Manageable and can relieved, minimized or even be prevented.

The most common side effects of cyclophosphamide (do don’t require special medical attention):

• Nausea and vomiting  is a common side effect of chemotherapy, usually starts 6-10 hours after therapy with increased doses.
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Temporary menstrual changes in women (reversible)
• Hair loss . Begins 3-6 weeks after the start of treatment with cyclophosphamide. When the treatment stops, the hair grow back.
• Nail or skin darkening
• Temporary decrease of white and red blood cells which increases the risk of infection, anemia and/or bleeding.
• Affected fertility in both men and women.  Usually, this effect is reversible but it should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you are planning to have children

The following side effects require medical attention:

• Mouth ulcers
• Severe diarrhea
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Blood in the urine or stool (which may be a sign of bladder or intestine damage)
• Black or tarry stool (a sign of intestine damage)
• Decreased urination ( may be a sign of kidney impairment)
• Painful urination
• Extreme fatigue
• New  unusual moles, lumps  or long-lasting skin sores (which can be signs of new cancers)
• Signs of being infected (fever)

The list of side effects above may be incomplete. Always report any changes in your health condition to your doctor if you are taking cyclophosphamide.