What is Etoposide?
Etoposide can be used to treat lung cancer or cancer of the testicles. It is often given in combination with other cancer medications.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of etoposide.
Side effects of Etoposide?
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, fever, chills, or sweating, or feel light-headed or have difficulty breathing, or signs of a severe reaction to your skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes or skin, or a skin rash that is red or purple and blistered), seek emergency medical attention.
Etoposide can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Low white blood cell count—fevers, sores on the lips, throats, and skin, cough;
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red patches under the skin
- Severe ongoing nausea or vomiting;
- Feeling short of breath, chest pain, dry cough,
- Upper stomach pain and loss of appetite
- Vision problems or other eye disorders
- A seizure (convulsions).
Etoposide can cause a variety of side effects.
- Low white blood cell count
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Keytruda, Elahere, methotrexate, Avastin, fluorouracil, carboplatin, and pembrolizumab
Warnings
Etoposide may increase your risk of bleeding or infection. If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, or if there are new signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or trouble breathing, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to etoposide, it is not recommended that you take the drug.If you've ever had kidney disease, tell your doctor.Etoposide can increase your risk for other cancers, including leukemia. Speak to your doctor about the specific risks you face.
If either the mother or father uses etoposide, it can cause harm to an unborn child.
- Do not take etoposide while pregnant if you're a woman. Use birth control during treatment and for 6 months following your last dose.
- Use effective birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control for at least four months after your last dose.
- Do not wait to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using etoposide.
Both men and women may be affected by this medicine. It is still important to use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as etoposide may harm the unborn child.Breastfeeding is not recommended while using etoposide.
How to take Etoposide?
Etoposide can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.Etoposide is usually given in a four-day or five-day cycle of treatment every three or four weeks. Do not neglect to comply with your physician's orders.Etoposide is harmful to your skin if you get it on. If you come into contact with the skin, wash it off using soap and water.Etoposide increases your risk of bleeding and infection. You will be required to undergo frequent medical testing. The results of your tests may delay cancer treatment.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for testicular cancer:
Combination with other approved chemotherapeutic drugs:
Every 3–4 weeks, 50–100 mg/m2 intravenous over 30–60 minutes on the first through fifth days 100 mg/m2 intravenous over 30–60 minutes on the first and third days.
Comments:
If the volume of fluid that needs to be infused into the patient is an issue, a longer duration may be used.
The dosage should be adjusted to take into account the myelosuppressive effect of the other drugs used in combination or the previous x-ray treatment or chemotherapy that may have compromised the bone marrow reserves.
Use: As a combination therapy with approved chemotherapeutics in patients with refractory tumors of the testicles who have received adequate surgical, chemotherapeutic, and radiotherapeutic treatment.
Adult dose for small cell lung cancer:
IV:
Combination with other approved chemotherapeutic drugs:
Every 3–4 weeks, 35 mg/m2 intravenous over 30–60 minutes for 4 days or 50 mg/m2 intravenous over 30–60 minutes for 5 days
Oral:
Combination with other approved chemotherapeutic drugs:
The recommended oral dose is two times the IV dose, rounded up to the nearest 50mg (i.e., 2 x 35 mg/m2 once daily for 4 to 5 days to 50 mg/m2 once daily for 5 equals 70 mg/m2 once a day for 4 to 100 mg/m2 once a day for 5).
Comments:
If the volume of fluid that needs to be infused into the patient is an issue, a longer IV administration period may be necessary.
The dosage should be adjusted to take into account the myelosuppressive effect of the other drugs used in combination or the previous x-ray treatment or chemotherapy that may have compromised the bone marrow reserves.
Use: As a first-line treatment for patients with small-cell lung cancer.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment, call your doctor and ask for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid receiving a "live vaccine" while taking etoposide. You may not be fully protected from disease if the vaccine does not work well. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella, mumps (MMR), yellow fever, typhoid (typhoid), varicella, chickenpox, zoster, and influenza (nasal flu).Avoid being around people who are ill or infected. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.Avoid any activities that could increase your risk of injury or bleeding. Take extra precautions to avoid bleeding when shaving or brushing your teeth.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Aspirin;
- Warfarin (coumadin, jantoven);
- Seizure medication.
This list is incomplete. Etoposide can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
