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etoposide (oral)
etoposide (oral)
What is the most important information I should know about etoposide?
What is the most important information I should know about etoposide?
Etoposide can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, sore throat, trouble breathing).
What is etoposide?
What is etoposide?
Etoposide is used to treat small cell lung cancer. It is usually given in combination with other cancer medicines.
Etoposide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking etoposide?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking etoposide?
You should not use etoposide if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease.
Using etoposide may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
Do not use etoposide if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
You should not breastfeed while you are using etoposide.
How should I use etoposide?
How should I use etoposide?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not break or open the etoposide capsule. Do not use a pill that has been accidentally broken.
The medicine from a broken capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Wear disposable rubber gloves when you handle a etoposide capsule. Throw the gloves away after one use.
Etoposide can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
Store etoposide capsules in the refrigerator, do not freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking etoposide?
What should I avoid while taking etoposide?
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using etoposide. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.
What are the possible side effects of etoposide?
What are the possible side effects of etoposide?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack;
- easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
- vision problems;
- seizure (convulsions);
- liver problems --loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
- low white blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.
Common side effects may include:
- sores or white patches in or around your mouth, trouble swallowing or talking, dry mouth, bad breath, altered sense of taste;
- nausea, vomiting; or
- temporary hair loss.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect etoposide?
What other drugs will affect etoposide?
Other drugs may affect etoposide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about etoposide.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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