Etoposide

How do I say this name?

e-TOE-poe-side

What is this medicine used for?

Etoposide kills cancer cells.

This medicine may be called by its brand name, VePesid^®, or by its common name, VP-16.

How do I take this medicine?

Etoposide is taken by mouth with or without food, or it is injected into the veins.

How do I store this medicine?

Store etoposide capsules in the refrigerator, away from heat or moisture. Do NOT freeze.

Are there any special things I should do while on this medicine?

Etoposide can decrease the number of white blood cells in your body, cells that usually help you fight infections. It can also decrease the number of cells in your blood that help your blood clot (platelets) and the number of red blood cells, cells that carry oxygen to your tissues. Without enough red blood cells, the tissues get less oxygen and you could become fatigued. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to reduce your risk of infection, excessive bleeding, or fatigue.

Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist right away if you vomit within 1-2 hours of taking etoposide by mouth.

What if I miss a dose?

Return to your regular schedule if you skip or forget to take a dose by mouth Do not take the missed dose and do not increase your next dose to make up for the missed dose.

What side effects are common with this medicine?

• Increased risk of infection for 7-14 days after therapy
• Increased risk of bleeding for 9-16 days after therapy
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Reversible hair loss

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you are worried about a side effect or have questions about your medical care.

Call the doctor at once if you have any of these side effects:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Symptoms of infection:

  Cough, hoarseness, or sore throat

  Fever above 100.5° Fahrenheit, or chills

  Pain in lower back or side

  Painful or difficult urination

  Urinating more often than normal

• Symptoms of increased bleeding:

  Black, tarry stools

  Blood in urine, stool, or vomit

  Pinpoint red spots on skin

  Unusual bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, coughing up blood)

Call the doctor as soon as you can if you have this side effect:

• Sores in mouth, throat, or on lips

Are there side effects from this medicine after I finish my chemotherapy?

Etoposide may cause side effects that do not occur for months or years after you finish chemotherapy, including leukemia. Discuss these long-term effects with your doctor if you are concerned.

These written patient information materials should be used in conjunction with verbal counseling. They are not intended as the sole source of information patients receive about their chemotherapy and other medications. The adverse effects listed are important and common ones that patients might experience; every possible adverse effect is not included. Long-term adverse effects, like secondary malignancy and infertility, are discussed for those drugs whose risk is well defined.