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Cytoxan, Vincristine and Prednison
Please understand the following information is offered as a courtesy and is not intended to provide a diagnosis or medical recommendation for your pet.
Cytoxan®, Oncovin®, Prednisone
All anticancer drugs have side effects but their potential effect against the cancer and benefit to the patient outweighs the possible side effects. While quite rare, serious adverse reactions that include death can occur with any chemotherapy. We want you to be fully informed about the potential benefits and risks of these medications.
Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide), Oncovin® (vincristine) and prednisone (cortisone) (COP) is a combination of chemotherapy drugs which have been shown to be very effective in inducing remissions in canine and feline lymphoma. Our protocol often combines these three drugs with a fourth drug (Cytarabine) given at the beginning of the protocol.
Potential Side Effects of These Drugs Are As Follows:
Cytoxan® (Cyclophosphamide)
- Loss of hair. This is unpredictable and can vary from no hair loss to complete baldness. This is not as common in animals as it is in people because their hair does not grow continuously throughout their lives. Exceptions to this are certain breeds of dogs such as poodles, Old English Sheepdogs and other breeds whose hair does continue to grow (dogs that need to be clipped periodically). In any breed, areas in which the hair is shaved will be slow to grow back. Animals will often lose whiskers.
- Nausea, vomiting. This is usually mild and self-limiting. You should consult your veterinarian is this occurs.
- Low blood counts. This is not a problem unless infection occurs. This is checked for periodically during therapy.
- Bloody urine. The metabolites of Cytoxan® can cause inflammation of the bladder. This may not be associated with a bladder infection and antibiotics may not help with this condition. Cytoxan® should be stopped immediately should this occur. This can be prevented by giving the drug in the morning, encouraging fluid intake by salting the food, and by encouraging urination before bedtime.
Oncovin® (Vincristine)
This drug must be given directly into a vein. Side effects are minimal but may include
- Damage to the leg if the drug accidentally goes outside of the vein.
- Neurological abnormalities (weakness) are seen in people but are rare in dogs and cats.
- Constipation (especially cats)
Prednisone (Cortisone)
- Increased water intake and urine output.
- Increased appetite.
- Panting.
- Ulceration of stomach or intestinal tract, possibly resulting in blood in vomit, or in the bowel movements..
- Long term side effects - potbellied appearance, skin and coat changes, such as thinning of hair and pigmentation of skin.
If side effects occur, the following can be done at home
- Nausea: Withhold food and offer small amounts of water every few hours, or feed small frequent meals instead of one large one. If condition persists longer than 24 hours, please call (719) 282-8027.
- Vomiting: Withhold food for 12 hours. After 12 hours, offer small amounts of water, then small, bland meals (i.e., boiled hamburger, rice). Start the anti-vomiting medication(metoclopramide) that has been prescribed. Occasionally animals will experience hyperactivity while taking this medication. If this happens with your pet stop the medication and call.
- Loss of Appetite (anorexia): Feed 4 small meals daily. Add warm broth and favorite foods to your pet's diet to increase flavor and appeal.
- Diarrhea: Keep water available at all times. If your pet is anorexic, offer chicken or beef broth. If condition persist longer than 24 hours, please call.
- Local Site Care (following chemotherapy injection): If pain, redness or sore develops at the site of injection please call
- Bloody Urine: Stop Cytoxan® immediately, continue prednisone, and call for a change inyour prescription
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