Antineoplastic Medications

Question 1

Prototype Drug: Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

Answer 1

•Therapeutic classification
–Antineoplastic
•Pharmacologic classification
–Alkylating agent, nitrogen mustard, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, immunosuppressant
•Pregnancy category D

•Contraindications
–Pregnancy
–Lactation
–Severe myelosuppression

•Adverse effects
–Those common to other antineoplastic agents: e.g., nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, mouth sores
–Alopecia
–Jaundice
–Acne
–Blistered skin
–Darkened or thickened skin

•Patient/family teaching
–Void frequently
–Adhere to dosage regimen
–Expect hair loss
–Use adequate means of contraception during and for at least 4 months after termination of therapy
•Patient/family teaching
–Do not breast-feed without approval of provider
–Report changes in menstrual cycles to health care provider