Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: etoposide, injection; Etopophos; etoposide, oral; VP-16
This medicine is given by mouth or by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat cancer of the lungs or testicles, or other types of cancer. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider. It may be given with other anticancer drugs.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also tell your provider if you have recently had any kind of infection.
Females of childbearing age: Do not use this medicine during pregnancy because it can harm the baby. Do not become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.
IV infusions are usually given in a hospital or by a home healthcare nurse.
If you are taking the capsules, take them exactly as prescribed, along with any other medicines prescribed. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you accidentally get this medicine on your skin, rinse the area thoroughly with soap and warm water.
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: severe nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, sore throat, easy bruising, extreme weakness.
This is a very strong medicine. It should only be given where you can be monitored closely. You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.
Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin while receiving this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your healthcare provider.
Your hair may fall out during treatment with this drug. It will grow back after you stop taking the medicine.
Nausea and vomiting can occur while you are taking this medicine. If you vomit right after you take the capsules, ask your healthcare provider when to take the next dose.
If you need emergency care, surgery or dental work, tell the healthcare provider you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chills, fever, trouble breathing, loss of vision, rapid heartbeat, mouth sores, lightheadedness, unusual bleeding or bruising, black tarry stools, extreme tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Other: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; loss of appetite; rash; hair loss; weakness; redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Keep the capsules in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
