How does cyclophosphamide treat lupus?

Cytoxan is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. This means it slows or stops the growth of malignant cells or other rapidly dividing cells, such as white blood cells that attack your body during a lupus flare.

Is cyclophosphamide used for lupus?

Cyclophosphamide remains the ‘gold standard’ treatment for severe organ threatening systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially renal and central nervous system lupus. Intravenous and oral cyclophosphamide have been compared, retrospectively, with similar two year remission rates of 73% and 90%.

How often should I take Cytoxan for lupus nephritis?

Induction therapy for lupus nephritis (American College of Rheumatology Guidelines 2012) Low-dose: 500 mg IV every 2 weeks for 6 doses plus corticosteroids, then maintenance with mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine High-dose: 500-1000 mg/m² IV monthly for 6 doses plus corticosteroids

How is cyclophosphamide used to treat lupus nephritis?

The treatment target of lupus renal disease is to induce and maintain remission and to minimize disease or treatment-related comorbidities. Cyclophosphamide (CYC), in conjunction with glucocorticoids, has conventionally been used for the initial treatment of lupus nephritis.

What are the side effects of Cyc in lupus nephritis?

The major limitation of the use of CYC in lupus nephritis is its untoward side effects, which include infection, ovarian and bladder toxicities, leukopenia and an increased risk of malignancy. Some of these toxicities are dose-dependent.

How is ivcy used to treat lupus nephritis?

Background: Intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCY) pulse therapy has been used for lupus nephritis since the latter half of the 1980s; it has been shown to be effective for lupus nephritis and vasculitis and has become a standard therapy for the diffuse proliferative type of lupus nephritis in adults. IVCY therapy has also come to be used in children.