"AC"
Adriamycin® (Doxorubicin)
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®)

How do these drugs work?

These are "chemotherapy" drugs that prevent division of DNA and growth of cancer cells and may also injure normal cells that grow fast such as blood cells, hair follicles, cells that line the mouth, stomach, and intestines.

Common side effects

• Lower numbers of white blood cells (which fight against infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen) platelets (which help blood clot). A low number of these cells may lead to infection, anemia, and bleeding

• Nausea, vomiting

• Hair loss

• Metallic taste (when Cytoxan® is given)

• Mouth sores and throat irritation

• Fatigue

• Premature menopause (stopping of menstrual periods, which is often permanent)

Less common side effects with your type of chemotherapy:

ADRIAMYCIN®

• Sensitivity to sunlight

• Skin and tissue damage may occur to the area in which Adriamycin® is given, if the drug leaks out of the vein into the tissue

• Dry skin and blistering to areas previously treated by radiation

• Heart muscle weakness (also called cardiomyopathy)

• Watery, sore eyes

• Skin rash and itching

• Bladder bleedingand irritation

• Nasal stuffiness, sneezing, watery eyes (when Cytoxan® is given)

• Dizziness, confusion, agitation

• Yellowing of skin and/or eyes

As with any drug, other side effects that were not mentioned may occur

General concerns

• Report vomiting or nausea that is not relieved with anti-nausea medication.

• Immediately report any fevers of 101ƒ or higher, with or without chills

• Report nose bleeds, gum bleeding, or any unusual bruising

• Avoid direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses for protection

• Ask your nurse about special mouth rinses to prevent mouth sores

• Ask your doctor about a birth control method for you

• Report any symptoms which are unusual for you

Other concerns with your CMF chemotherapy

ADRIAMYCIN®

• Your urine may turn pink or red up to 2-3 days after the drug is given to you. This is not blood and is not harmful.

• Report to the nurse immediately any redness, swelling, or discomfort along the injection site.

• Report chest discomfort or pain.

• Drink 8-10 glasses of fluid each day for two days after your treatment. Urinate often (about every 2 hours while awake). Drinking fluids and urinating often will help prevent any bladder irritation.

• Report nasal stuffiness while getting the drug.

• Immediately report blood in urine or painful urination.