What size tablets are Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide?

[keepfit123]

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Odd question...the pills are very small and dose is based on body mass per meter squared

It varies by brand...but generally fludara are oval and pinky beige

Cyclophosphamide are round and light blue.

Go to Google images and search on the drug name..lots of pictures there.

[HAIRBEAR_UK Founder Admin]

Hi keepfit123

I see you also posted in another thread that you are in for your pre-chemo assessment today, you also asked about when you start pre-meds and allopurinol and how people are after FCR?. I hope it goes well today.

As I’m untreated , I don’t know the meds personally. I would also be interested to read how many tablets this tends to be, and different meds that are involved and peoples experiences of FCR. Also tricks people have learnt to help with tablet taking and coping with potential side effects. Sometimes the smallest details can cause anxiety, sharing experiences can help to alleviate this.

Good luck

Nick

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

I had similar treatment FR...the allopurinol should be started 3 to 4 days before treatment. The fludarabine and cyclophosphamide could be tablets or IV infusion.

You should be given a complete treatment protocol, with all his information. It is vital you read and understand it, especially the side effects that can occur from each drug, and what action you need to take.

You will also be given premeds, before the rituxan infusion...usually bendryl and tylenol (Paracetamol). You may be given other tablets also

Please let us know how you do...ask lots of questions...don't take anything for granted.

[David39]

In my case the fludarabine and cyclophosphamide were in tablet form- I suspect that's the norm in the UK. 5 of fludarabine and 6 of cyclophosphamide each of which was taken as a single dose once per day for 5 days in each cycle. As cllcanada mentions above, the tablets are very small and easy to take.

[keepfit123 in reply to David39]

Thanks for your replies,Hairbear,cllcanada.david39. Each little bit of information makes the unknown less daunting.

Cheers,

keepfit123

[keepfit123 in reply to David39]

I wonder what my end result will be in 6 months of this FCR.

I am 12 stone and 5 foot 10 inches tall and am on 2 fludarabine tablets and 3 cyclophosphamide tablets per day for 5 days. I am on 1/2 the recommended dosage for my weight and height because of a slightly impaired kidney function. I wonder if I can be classed as being on FCR Lite?I am on my 2nd day of cycle 2 having cut short cycle 1 due to Rituxmab reaction and lymph node swellings. I did get a further reaction to Rituximab on the second cycle and the infusion had to be stopped temporarily. I have noticed a decrease in the size and volume of lymph nodes around the neck,jaw and just below the ears. Fingers crossed !!

Cheers,

keepfit123

[David39 in reply to keepfit123]

Hi keepfit123, tried to reply yesterday but my post disappeared into a black hole somewhere....I hope your second cycle continues more smoothly than the first! Good news that the lymph nodes are shrinking - long may it continue. Is this also reflected in your blood counts? Are you suffering any side effects with the fludarabine & cyclophosphamide? Yes, fingers crossed and best of luck.

[keepfit123 in reply to David39]

Thanks for the reply,David.

Blood results just before 2nd round were -- WBC 25.4, RBC 2.75, platelets 140, Haemoglobin 8.9, Absolute neutrophil count 0.9, Absolute lymphocyte count 23.1

I hope RBC , haemoglobin and ANC improve. No side effects so far from the Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide. Considering the WBC was 250 before the start of treatment there has been a significant drop.

Cheers,

keepfit1123

[David39 in reply to keepfit123]

Yes, I was staggered by the sharp drop in my lymphocyte count within a couple of weeks of starting treatment - I had expected it to be much more gradual. You must by now be approaching the end of your second cycle. Are you noticing any effects of the low RBC and HG? Hopefully they will improve.

[keepfit123 in reply to David39]

Not noticing anything really, perhaps slight tiredness in the afternoon.Bit of a drag to keep on taking aciclovir,allopurinol, and cotrimoxazole all the time.I stopped taking the anti sickness tablet after the 5 days of chemo because it seemed to give me a headache.

Cheers,

keepfit123

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

It is a bit daunting for the first round, and the rituxan infusion can be a bit of a trail on occasion, but usually it is quite slow and boring... most people have no problems.

After the first round you will be an FCR pro...and things go faster...

The hardest part about the tablets I found was getting them out of the foil pop wrappers, I kept dropping them on the floor...

[hammyj]

I always seemed to have a 'spare' tablet at the end of each month - don't think I was meant too!

I had 6 months of the tablets. Each month got easier I found. Always had my treatment Friday - Sunday and felt groggy until about the Wednesday and felt fully fit again by the Friday.

Hope this helps

[Oleboyredw-uk]

Fludarabine and cyclophosphamide I take are small. Much smaller than any other tablets I've taken in the past. Biggest problem with them is getting them out of the wrappers and I also had to play catch with one skittering across the floor, on cycle 2 I think. Been more careful since then. I've never been a great tablet taker and I have no probs with them.

Rob