User Tag List

Likes Likes:  0
Page 2 of 5 FirstFirst 1234 ... LastLast
Results 11 to 20 of 46

Thread: Tapering Cytoxan

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Northern CA, EDH
    Posts
    68
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default

    Here's a reply from my secondary Rheumy at Stanfords. Typically cytoxan is used at 2 mg/kg orally for 3 months. Then for 3-6 months, the dose is lowered to 1.5mg/kg and imuran is added; then imuran is continued for 3 more months at 1.5-2mg/kg before then tapering over 6-12 months. The final taper regimen is highly variable and is really an art.

    I believe this is the European regimen that he quotes. He always talks about it when he sees me.

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    see map location in MN
    Posts
    4,374
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    16 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by flana View Post
    Here's a reply from my secondary Rheumy at Stanfords. Typically cytoxan is used at 2 mg/kg orally for 3 months. Then for 3-6 months, the dose is lowered to 1.5mg/kg and imuran is added; then imuran is continued for 3 more months at 1.5-2mg/kg before then tapering over 6-12 months. The final taper regimen is highly variable and is really an art.

    I believe this is the European regimen that he quotes. He always talks about it when he sees me.
    Thanks for posting this. It gives a reasonable basis on what to expect.

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Hoboken, NJ
    Posts
    1,425
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default

    I also think that European standards seem to vary from American and Canadian ones; at least that's what I was hearing at the conference. It's true, as Sangye says it doesn't really make logical sense -- the ctx is not working below a certain dose anyway.

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    752
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default

    I think there was discussion on this previously, but is there a difference between Cytoxan Infusions VS pill form? Is one more toxic than the other? Is one used for a longer period of time?

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    see map location in MN
    Posts
    4,374
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    16 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Brooke View Post
    I think there was discussion on this previously, but is there a difference between Cytoxan Infusions VS pill form? Is one more toxic than the other? Is one used for a longer period of time?
    I was put on pill form because of concern about reactions or side effects from IV form. They said it was easier to monitor side effects and adjust than IV form. It seemed logical because the IV form will contain a lot more of the drug since you don't take it every day like pill form.

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Maryland, USA
    Posts
    10,836
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default

    Oral ctx is more effective than IV. The point that drz raises about the ability to change the dose is huge. Last year I had to stop ctx because it was stressing my bone marrow. If we'd used the IV form, it could have been a real mess.

  7. #17
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    752
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default

    Yikes, sounds like the pill form would be easier to take since they can adjust dosing better. Are the side effects still the same? Possible bladder cancer? Is this only if used for a long period of time or would using it for a short period of time be "ok."

  8. #18
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Maryland, USA
    Posts
    10,836
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default

    Same side effects and risk of cancer. It's chemo. The shorter the duration of use, the better, but the risks are still there.

  9. #19
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    752
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default

    Thank you.

  10. #20
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    see map location in MN
    Posts
    4,374
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    16 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default

    After Cytoxan there seem to be several options. What are the advantages or disadvantages of the various drugs and how does the rheumatologist decide which one to use for you? I will be switching to something else in the next month or two.

Page 2 of 5 FirstFirst 1234 ... LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •