etoposide (injection)

What is the most important information I should know about etoposide?

What is etoposide?

Etoposide is used to treat cancer of the lung or testicles. It is usually given with other cancer medicines in a combination chemotherapy.

Etoposide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving etoposide?

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.

• If you are a woman, do not use etoposide if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 4 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using etoposide.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because etoposide can harm an unborn baby.

How is etoposide given?

Etoposide is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Etoposide is usually given as part of a 4-day or 5-day treatment cycle every 3 or 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while receiving etoposide?

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), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

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.

What are the side effects of etoposide?

• low white blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• severe ongoing nausea or vomiting;
• sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;
• upper stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• vision problems; or
• a seizure (convulsions).

Common side effects may include:

• low white blood cell counts.

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?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• aspirin;
• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
• seizure mediation.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect etoposide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about etoposide.