What is a potential serious adverse effect of cyclophosphamide that requires reporting?

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent used in chemotherapy that can significantly impact the immune system. One of the serious adverse effects associated with its use is a serious infection. This occurs due to its immunosuppressive properties, which can lead to a reduction in white blood cell counts, particularly neutrophils, increasing the patient’s susceptibility to infections.

When patients are on cyclophosphamide, careful monitoring of their blood counts is crucial, and any signs of serious infections, such as fever, chills, or other systemic symptoms, should be reported immediately. This allows for timely intervention, such as the initiation of antibiotics or other supportive care, to address the risk of infection, which can be life-threatening.

In contrast, the other options—weight gain, hair loss, and stomach cramping—while potentially troublesome, are generally not classified as life-threatening concerns that require immediate reporting. Monitoring and management of these side effects can usually occur as part of routine care for patients undergoing treatment with cyclophosphamide.