What is Etoposide Phosphate?
Etoposide phosphate is used in the treatment of cancer that affects the lung or testicles.
Side effects of Etoposide
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blisters, or a red or purple rash that is blistering or peeling), seek emergency medical attention.
Etoposides can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pain, burning, irritation, or changes in the skin where the injection is given
- Vomiting and severe nausea
- If you notice bruising or bleeding under the skin, or if it is unusual, or if there are purple or red spots, or if your skin is prone to bruising or bleeding,
- Low white blood cell count—fevers, mouth sores, and skin sores. Cough.
Some of the common side effects associated with etoposide include:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Constipation;
- Fever;
- Trouble swallowing
- Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Contacting the FDA in regards to adverse events can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Keytruda, Elahere, methotrexate, Avastin, fluorouracil, carboplatin, and pembrolizumab
Warnings
Etoposide can increase the risk of bleeding and infection. If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, or if there are new signs of infection, such as fever, mouth sores, or sore throats, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to etoposide, this medication should be avoided.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Kidney disease
- If you are taking a blood thinner, such as Warfarin, and have regular "INR" tests or prothrombin times,
The use of etoposide may increase the risk of 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 taking etoposide.
How to take Etoposide Phosphate?
Etoposide can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.Etoposide is given to patients with testicular cancer during the first five days of a treatment cycle lasting 21 or 28 days.In the case of lung carcinoma, etoposide is given for 4 to 5 days consecutively.You will be told by your doctor for how long you should take this medication.If you experience any pain or swelling when the etoposide is injected, tell your caregivers.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:
On days 1 to 5 of every 21-day cycle (or 28-day cycle), administer 50–100 mg/m2 intravenously over a period of 5 minutes to 3 hours.
OR
On days 1, 3, and 5 of every 21-day cycle (or 28-day cycle): 100 mg/m2 intravenously, over a period of 5 minutes to 3.5 hours.
Use: To treat patients with refractory tumors of the testicles (in conjunction with other chemotherapeutic agents).
Adult dose for small cell lung cancer:
35 to 50 mg/m2 IV, once daily over a period of 5 minutes to 3 hours.
OR
50 mg/m2 IV, once daily over 5 minutes to 3 hours, for 5 days
Use: As first-line therapy for patients with small-cell lung cancer in combination with cisplatin.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
You should not take a live vaccine while taking etoposide. This could cause a serious infection. Live vaccines are available for measles (chickenpox), rubella (MMR), yellow fever, typhoid (rotavirus), polio (MMR), varicella, zoster, and influenza (nasal flu).Avoid being around people who are sick. 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
Etoposide can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop taking.
