Etoposide (By mouth)
e-TOE-poe-side
Treats testicle cancer, lung cancer, lymphomas, nonlymphocytic leukemia, and other kinds of cancer. Also called VP-16.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Etoposide (also known as VP-16) is used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat small cell lung cancer.
Etoposide belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastic agents. The exact way that etoposide acts against cancer is not known. However, it seems to interfere with the growth of the cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by etoposide, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with etoposide, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, etoposide is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)—associated Kaposi’s sarcoma (a type of cancer of the skin and mucous membranes that is more common in patients with AIDS). Cancer in the bone. Cancer of the adrenal cortex (the outside layer of the adrenal gland). Cancer of the endometrium. Cancer of the lung (a certain type of lung cancer usually associated with prior smoking, passive smoking, or radon exposure). Cancer of the lymph system (a part of the body’s immune system) that affects the skin. Cancer of the ovaries (a type of cancer found in the egg-making cells). Cancer of the stomach. Cancer of unknown primary site. Cancers of the blood and lymph system. Cancers of the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, connective tissues (tendons), vessels that carry blood or lymph, or fat. Ewing’s sarcoma (a type of cancer found in the bone). Gestational trophoblastic tumors (tumors in the uterus or womb). Hepatoblastoma (a certain type of liver cancer that occurs in children). Multiple myeloma (a certain type of cancer of the blood). Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Neuroblastoma (a cancer of the nerves that usually occurs in children). Retinoblastoma (a cancer of the eye that usually occurs in children). Thymoma (a cancer of the thymus, which is a small organ that lies under the breastbone). Tumors in the brain. Wilms’ tumor (a cancer of the kidney that usually occurs in children).Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Etoposide is sometimes given together with certain other medicines. If you are using a combination of medicines, make sure that you take each one at the proper time and do not mix them. If you are taking some of these medicines by mouth, ask your doctor to help you plan a way to remember to take your medicines at the right times.
Always wear impervious gloves when handling the blisterpacks containing the capsules. This would prevent exposure to the medicine.
You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.
If you vomit after taking your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the capsules in the refrigerator. Do not freeze them.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®).
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to etoposide.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, any type of infection, or a history of low albumin (plasma protein).
This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have chills, fever, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, fast heartbeat, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or trouble with breathing after taking the medicine.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
This medicine may cause leukemia (cancer of the blood or bone marrow) in rare cases. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about this.
This medicine may make your mouth sore and irritated. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush or mouth swab.
Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen. If the medicine does not help (you can’t keep liquids down), call your doctor.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
Blood in the urine or stools.
Blue fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds.
Blurred vision or changes in vision.
Confusion, restlessness, or loss of consciousness.
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
Increased sweating, or shivering.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
Painful mouth sores that keep you from drinking liquids.
Severe diarrhea.
Shortness of breath, trouble with breathing, chest or throat tightness, or wheezing.
Swelling in your face, mouth, or tongue.
Trouble with swallowing.
Unexplained fever, chills, cough, or sore throat.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Unusual tiredness or weakness.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Bad or unusual taste in your mouth.
Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
Hair loss.
Mild skin rash, itching, or hives.
Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
Weakness.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Vepesid
There may be other brand names for this medicine.