Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: teniposide, injection; Vumon Injection
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and other kinds of cancer.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
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 or if you are taking radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given during pregnancy because it can harm the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. Do not become pregnant during this treatment. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant. Do not breast-feed during this treatment.
This is a very strong medicine. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it. The infusions are given by your healthcare provider once or twice a week along with other medicines. The length of treatment varies with your response and the combination of drugs used. Keep all your appointments for the infusions. If you need to take any medicines by mouth while you are having the infusions, take them exactly as prescribed.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may cause birth defects. Males and females should use an effective form of birth control while receiving this medicine and for at least 12 weeks after treatment is complete.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or sores in your mouth. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth. Contact your healthcare provider if these continue or get worse.
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.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist 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): Fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, facial flushing, decreased urination, trouble breathing, mouth sores, unusual bleeding or bruising, unexplained sore throat, black or tarry stools, blood in the urine.
Other: Hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness.
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.
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.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
