What is Etoposide phosphate?
Etoposide phosphate is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Etoposide phosphate is used to treat cancer of the lung or testicles.
Etoposide phosphate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Etoposide phosphate?
Do not receive etoposide phosphate without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Before receiving etoposide phosphate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a weak immune system.
Etoposide phosphate can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis.
Do not receive a “live” vaccine while you are being treated with etoposide phosphate. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), oral polio, chickenpox (varicella), BCG (Bacillus Calmette and Guérin), and nasal flu vaccine.
Using etoposide phosphate may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Etoposide phosphate?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to etoposide.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
- kidney disease; or
- a weak immune system (from disease or from taking certain medicines)
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not receive etoposide phosphate without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether etoposide phosphate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Using etoposide phosphate may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
Etoposide phosphate Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Etoposide phosphate?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
- white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
- feeling like you might pass out
- severe nausea and vomiting
- black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite
- constipation, diarrhea
- dizziness, tired feeling
- change in your sense of taste
- temporary hair loss; or
- mild skin rash
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.
Etoposide phosphate Interactions
What other drugs affect Etoposide phosphate?
Before you receive etoposide phosphate, tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with etoposide phosphate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Etoposide phosphate?
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a “live” vaccine while you are being treated with etoposide phosphate. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), oral polio, chickenpox (varicella), BCG (Bacillus Calmette and Guérin), and nasal flu vaccine.
Etoposide phosphate Dosage
How should I take Etoposide phosphate?
Etoposide phosphate is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine is sometimes given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 3-1/2 hours to complete.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when the medicine is injected.
Etoposide phosphate is usually given for 4 or 5 days in a row every 3 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Etoposide phosphate can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Etoposide phosphate is used together with other cancer medications. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications.
What happens if I overdose on Etoposide phosphate?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include problems with speech, vision, thinking, or balance.
What happens if I miss a dose of Etoposide phosphate?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your etoposide phosphate injection.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com