MEDICATIONS FOR RA (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS): CYTOXAN

MARCH 27TH, 2011
By ADMIN

MEDICATIONS FOR RA (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS): CYTOXAN

Generic available: no

Tablet size: 25, 50 mg

Intravenous administration possible

Dose: variable

Effective within: two weeks to three months

Cyclophosphamide is by far the most potent and dangerous of the immunosuppressive drugs used in the treatment of RA. Like azathioprine, it was first used as a form of cancer chemotherapy. Its effectiveness in the treatment of RA is undisputed, but its potentially severe side effects preclude its use in the treatment of mild or moderate RA. Cyclophosphamide is generally reserved for the treatment of unusually severe or life-threatening complications of RA such as vasculitis, Felty’s syndrome, and other complications with organ involvement. In these very serious situations the benefits of cyclophosphamide outweigh the risks.

Side effects of cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide has essentially the same potential side effects as azathioprine. Because cyclophosphamide has the most potent effect on the bone marrow and immune system, the occurrence and severity of these side effects are higher than in people taking azathioprine, although the precise risk is difficult to ascertain. We do know that a low white blood cell count occurs so frequently during cyclophosphamide therapy that it is often considered an expected effect rather than a side effect. The risk of severe blood abnormalities and infection increases in proportion to the dose and length of time which cyclophosphamide is prescribed.

Unlike azathioprine, cyclophosphamide can cause cystitis or bladder inflammation. Uncomfortable urination and the appearance of blood in the urine are symptoms of cystitis.

Hair loss can occur, particularly at very high doses. The amount of hair loss is highly variable, but in almost all patients it re-grows after the treatment is discontinued.

An important concern in cyclophosphamide therapy is the long-term increased risk of bladder or blood cancers (leukemias and lymphomas). It is estimated that with long-term daily cyclophosphamide use the risk of developing these cancers nearly doubles. Because cyclophosphamide is prescribed almost exclusively for severe, unremitting RA or for life-threatening complications, this potential risk of cancer in the future is usually at a tolerable level.

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MEDICATIONS FOR RA (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS): CYTOXANGeneric available: noTablet size: 25, 50 mgIntravenous administration possibleDose: variableEffective within: two weeks to three monthsCyclophosphamide is by far the most potent and dangerous of the immunosuppressive drugs used in the treatment of RA. Like azathioprine, it was first used as a form of cancer chemotherapy. Its effectiveness in the treatment of RA is undisputed, but its potentially severe side effects preclude its use in the treatment of mild or moderate RA. Cyclophosphamide is generally reserved for the treatment of unusually severe or life-threatening complications of RA such as vasculitis, Felty’s syndrome, and other complications with organ involvement. In these very serious situations the benefits of cyclophosphamide outweigh the risks.
Side effects of cyclophosphamide Cyclophosphamide has essentially the same potential side effects as azathioprine. Because cyclophosphamide has the most potent effect on the bone marrow and immune system, the occurrence and severity of these side effects are higher than in people taking azathioprine, although the precise risk is difficult to ascertain. We do know that a low white blood cell count occurs so frequently during cyclophosphamide therapy that it is often considered an expected effect rather than a side effect. The risk of severe blood abnormalities and infection increases in proportion to the dose and length of time which cyclophosphamide is prescribed.Unlike azathioprine, cyclophosphamide can cause cystitis or bladder inflammation. Uncomfortable urination and the appearance of blood in the urine are symptoms of cystitis.Hair loss can occur, particularly at very high doses. The amount of hair loss is highly variable, but in almost all patients it re-grows after the treatment is discontinued.An important concern in cyclophosphamide therapy is the long-term increased risk of bladder or blood cancers (leukemias and lymphomas). It is estimated that with long-term daily cyclophosphamide use the risk of developing these cancers nearly doubles. Because cyclophosphamide is prescribed almost exclusively for severe, unremitting RA or for life-threatening complications, this potential risk of cancer in the future is usually at a tolerable level.*101/209/5*