etoposide – oral, Vepesid
WARNING: Severe lowering of blood counts (myelosuppression) may occur, causing infection or bleeding (sometimes fatal). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of infection (fever, chills, persistent sore throat) or unusually easy bruising or bleeding (see also Side Effects section).
USES: Etoposide is used alone or in combination with other chemotherapies to treat certain forms of cancer (e.g., small cell lung cancer). Etoposide slows cancer cell growth and is also known as VP-16.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this drug only if it has been prescribed for your condition.
Etoposide may also be used to treat certain types of leukemias, lymphomas, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, and a certain type of prostate cancer.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor’s approval. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not stop taking this medication, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting. If you vomit shortly after a dose or if you miss a dose, contact your doctor. Pregnant women should not handle or break the capsules of this medication due to inhalation risk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, strange aftertaste, diarrhea, mouth sores, muscle aches, drowsiness, fatigue, or skin color changes may occur. In some cases, drug therapy may be needed to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Temporary hair loss may occur. Hair growth should return after treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, bloody stool, vision changes, abdominal pain, or redness/swelling of veins. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience a serious allergic reaction or tingling of hands or feet. This is not a complete list of side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking etoposide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This drug may make you drowsy. Use caution when operating machinery or driving. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor about your medical history, especially kidney disease, liver disease, blood problems, heart problems, and immunizations. Wash hands frequently to prevent infection. Use birth control while taking this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your healthcare professional of all the medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription drugs. This is not a complete list of interactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Regularly monitor blood cell counts, kidney function, and liver function. Keep all scheduled medical appointments.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to obtain a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Refer to the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.
MEDICAL ALERT: For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada). Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
