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Generic Name: etoposide

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A mitotic inhibitor - treats Small Cell Lung Cancer, Hodgkin's Disease, Ovarian Cancer, and Testicul... more

FDA Alerts

Experience of Supervising Clinician

For administration only under the supervision of a qualified clinician experienced in the use of antineoplastic agents.

Myelosuppression

Severe myelosuppression with resulting infection or bleeding may occur. (See Myelosuppression under Cautions.)

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etoposide

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(ee TOW poh side)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an etoposide overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising, or extreme weakness.

What should I avoid while using etoposide?

Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with etoposide.

What are the possible side effects of etoposide?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
fast heart rate;
severe nausea and vomiting;
feeling light-headed, fainting; or
low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
mild itching or skin rash; or
temporary hair loss.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect etoposide?

Before using etoposide, tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf).

There may be other drugs that can affect etoposide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about etoposide written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Etoposide injection is available with a prescription under the brand name VePesid. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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