I've been getting cytoxan infusions for almost 2 years now. I get them every 4 or 5 weeks. The routine is a gram of steroids (solumedrol) followed by the cytoxan.
When I first started, I took them for 3 months and then stopped. I stopped because I didn't notice a substantial difference, and figured that if it didn't help why take it.
In the two months that followed however, I noticed that my symptoms were getting worse, so I started up the reginement again and haven't stopped since.
The way my neuro explained it, the cytoxin ins't necessarily going to make things better, but it should help minimize the progression. And I have found this to be true.
I have PPMS. I think that while my symptoms do get worse with each passing year, the difference is minimal, and I attribute that to the treatments.
One thing to keep in mind: The drug is strong. It is chemo after all. I get a very small dose (only 400mg) and I feel sluggish and tired most of the weekend. When I first started taking it I received 600mg and pretty much slept all weekend. I've heard of some people who get twice that amount. You need to plan on not doing much after your infusion. You also need to make sure you get some anti-nausea medicine with your infusion or you are going to be sick as hell.
Drink plenty of fluids afterwards as well for several days afterwards. It will help flush the stuff out of your system.
Good luck
When I first started, I took them for 3 months and then stopped. I stopped because I didn't notice a substantial difference, and figured that if it didn't help why take it.
In the two months that followed however, I noticed that my symptoms were getting worse, so I started up the reginement again and haven't stopped since.
The way my neuro explained it, the cytoxin ins't necessarily going to make things better, but it should help minimize the progression. And I have found this to be true.
I have PPMS. I think that while my symptoms do get worse with each passing year, the difference is minimal, and I attribute that to the treatments.
One thing to keep in mind: The drug is strong. It is chemo after all. I get a very small dose (only 400mg) and I feel sluggish and tired most of the weekend. When I first started taking it I received 600mg and pretty much slept all weekend. I've heard of some people who get twice that amount. You need to plan on not doing much after your infusion. You also need to make sure you get some anti-nausea medicine with your infusion or you are going to be sick as hell.
Drink plenty of fluids afterwards as well for several days afterwards. It will help flush the stuff out of your system.
Good luck
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