Teniposide (By injection)
ten-i-POE-side
Treats leukemia.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Teniposide injection is used in combination with other medicines to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Teniposide belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastic agents. It interferes with the growth of the cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by teniposide, 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 teniposide, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine is given slowly, so your IV will remain in place for 30 to 60 minutes. You may also need to stay for observation for an additional hour or more.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
You may also receive other medicines to help prevent allergic reactions.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how teniposide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Sodium salicylate Sulfamethizole Tolbutamide VincristineThis medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to teniposide or polyoxyl castor oil or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
This medicine may reduce a man’s ability to have children, or it may increase the risk of birth defects. Talk to your doctor if you would like information on how to store sperm for future use.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, or any type of infection.
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 damage tissue and cause scarring at the injection site if it leaks out of the vein into which it is injected.
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 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
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Painful mouth sores
Pain, burning, redness, or swelling where the needle was placed
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Hair loss
Mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
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
Vumon
There may be other brand names for this medicine.