Does Cytoxan cause kidney damage?

[Patty]

My primary dr told me my GFR is 58 which is not terrible since it should be above 60, but when it was checked in May 2010 it was 84 and I know below 60 indicates kidney damage. Creatinine had risen from .84 to 1.01 and top of the range is 1.2.  I had my first cytoxan infusion the day before the blood draw, would this lower kidney function? My dr said no, but I read somewhere that cytoxan can cause kidney damage. Has anyone had this happen? I will ask my rheum about it but that appt is a few weeks off and it would put my mind at ease to understand this better. Thanks.
Patty

[Chickpea]

Hi Patty

I had Cytoxan by infusion a year ago.  It's a strong treatment but I don't know if it could affect your kidney function that quickly, just within a day. 

I don't think you should wait until your rheumy appointment to get more information, and put your mind at rest.  Can you call the rheumy or your GP?  Or the clinic where you received the Cytoxan?  You might also find information on web sites for other conditions Cytoxan is used for.

By the way, did you stop taking the CellCept before starting Cytoxan?  Did your rheumy explain why they decided to try the new treatment?  I've read of great results with Cytoxan for SjS people, but sadly it wasn't the right treatment for me.

Thinking of you - Chickpea

[Patty]

Hi Chickpea,
I was not told to stop taking the Cellcept before starting Cytoxan. It was reduced from 3,000 mg to 2,000 mg. Is it usually stopped when Cytoxan is started. Good idea to ask at the clinic. I have an infusion Tuesday and my dr should be in the building that day. We went to the Cytoxan, because my symptoms were worsening even on the high dose of Cellcept.
Thank you!

[Chickpea]

Hi Patty

Let us know how you get on with the next infusion.  How many weeks is there between infusions?  How are you feeling afterwards?

I don't know if you saw it but today there's a post from rnathans in reply to a question about gastroparesis - she had really good results from Cytoxan.

Thinking of you - Chickpea