Oral etoposide side effects. Oral Etoposide: Understanding Side Effects and Usage in Cancer Treatment

21.06.202312.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common side effects of oral etoposide. How does etoposide work in treating cancer. What precautions should be taken when using etoposide. How is etoposide administered orally. What are the potential severe complications of etoposide treatment.

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Understanding Etoposide: A Powerful Cancer-Fighting Medication

Etoposide is a potent chemotherapy drug primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, particularly small cell lung cancer. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as topoisomerase inhibitors, which work by interfering with the growth and division of cancer cells.

How does etoposide fight cancer? The drug targets an enzyme called topoisomerase II, which is crucial for DNA replication in rapidly dividing cells. By inhibiting this enzyme, etoposide disrupts the cancer cells’ ability to multiply, ultimately leading to their death. This mechanism of action makes etoposide an effective tool in combating aggressive forms of cancer.

Oral Administration of Etoposide: Guidelines and Considerations

Etoposide is available in oral form, typically as capsules. The oral route of administration offers convenience for patients, allowing them to take the medication at home under the guidance of their healthcare provider.

How should oral etoposide be taken? Patients are usually instructed to take the medication with or without food, as directed by their doctor. The dosage is carefully calculated based on individual factors such as the patient’s medical condition, body surface area, and response to treatment.

Take etoposide exactly as prescribed by your doctor
Do not increase the dose or frequency without medical advice
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on etoposide, unless approved by your healthcare provider
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance

Is there a specific time of day to take etoposide? While the timing may vary depending on individual treatment plans, consistency is key. Taking the medication at the same time each day can help maintain steady levels in the body and optimize its effectiveness.

Common Side Effects of Oral Etoposide: What to Expect

Like many chemotherapy drugs, etoposide can cause a range of side effects. It’s important for patients to be aware of these potential reactions and to communicate any concerns with their healthcare team.

What are the most frequent side effects of oral etoposide?

Nausea and vomiting (can be severe)
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Temporary hair loss
Mouth and throat sores
Fatigue

How can patients manage these side effects? Healthcare providers often prescribe anti-nausea medications to help control vomiting. For mouth sores, gentle oral hygiene practices and rinses with baking soda or salt water can provide relief. Eating small, frequent meals may help with appetite loss and nausea.

Severe Complications: Recognizing and Addressing Serious Side Effects

While etoposide is an effective cancer treatment, it can occasionally lead to severe complications that require immediate medical attention.

What are the potential severe side effects of etoposide?

Blood and bone marrow problems (low blood cell counts)
Increased risk of infections
Easy bruising or bleeding
Liver problems
Allergic reactions
Secondary cancers (rare)

How can patients recognize signs of severe complications? Unusual tiredness, persistent fever or chills, sore throat that doesn’t improve, easy bruising or bleeding (such as black stools or bloody vomit), and yellowing of the skin or eyes are all signs that warrant immediate medical attention.

Precautions and Interactions: Ensuring Safe Use of Etoposide

Before starting etoposide treatment, it’s crucial for patients to provide their healthcare team with a comprehensive medical history and list of current medications.

What precautions should be taken when using etoposide?

Inform your doctor about any allergies or previous adverse reactions to medications
Disclose any history of kidney or liver disease
Mention any blood disorders or previous chemotherapy/radiation treatments
Discuss all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re currently taking

Are there any specific drug interactions to be aware of? Etoposide can interact with various medications, including some antibiotics, antifungals, and herbal supplements. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential interactions before starting any new medications or supplements while on etoposide.

Special Considerations for Pregnant Women and Caregivers

Etoposide requires special handling precautions, particularly for pregnant women or those who may become pregnant.

Why is etoposide considered potentially harmful during pregnancy? The drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, potentially causing harm to an unborn baby. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should not handle etoposide capsules or breathe the dust from them.

What precautions should caregivers take when handling etoposide?

Wear gloves when handling the medication
Avoid breaking or crushing the capsules
Wash hands thoroughly after handling etoposide
Store the medication in a safe place, away from children and pets

Monitoring and Follow-up: Ensuring Optimal Treatment Outcomes

Regular monitoring is crucial for patients undergoing etoposide treatment to ensure its effectiveness and manage potential side effects.

What types of monitoring are typically conducted during etoposide treatment?

Regular blood tests to check blood cell counts
Liver and kidney function tests
Periodic imaging studies to assess tumor response
Physical examinations to evaluate overall health and side effects

How often should patients have follow-up appointments? The frequency of follow-up visits can vary depending on the individual treatment plan and the patient’s response to therapy. Typically, patients may need to see their healthcare provider weekly or biweekly during active treatment.

Long-term Considerations and Cancer Survivorship

As cancer treatments improve, there is an increasing focus on long-term survivorship and quality of life for patients who have undergone chemotherapy with drugs like etoposide.

What long-term effects should cancer survivors be aware of after etoposide treatment?

Potential impact on fertility
Risk of secondary cancers (although rare)
Possible cognitive effects (“chemo brain”)
Cardiovascular health considerations

How can survivors optimize their health after completing etoposide treatment? Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, can support overall well-being. Regular follow-up care and health screenings are also crucial for monitoring long-term health outcomes.

Advances in Etoposide Research: Future Directions in Cancer Treatment

Ongoing research continues to explore new applications and improved formulations of etoposide to enhance its efficacy and reduce side effects.

What are some promising areas of research involving etoposide?

Combination therapies with immunotherapy agents
Targeted delivery systems to reduce systemic side effects
Genetic markers to predict treatment response
Novel formulations for improved bioavailability

How might these advancements benefit cancer patients in the future? These research directions aim to improve treatment outcomes, reduce side effects, and potentially expand the use of etoposide to other types of cancer. As personalized medicine advances, treatments may be tailored more precisely to individual patients based on genetic and molecular profiles.

Patient Support and Resources

Coping with cancer and the side effects of treatment can be challenging. Various resources and support systems are available to help patients and their families navigate the complexities of etoposide treatment.

What types of support are available for patients undergoing etoposide treatment?

Support groups for cancer patients and survivors
Oncology social workers for emotional and practical support
Nutritional counseling to manage treatment-related dietary challenges
Financial assistance programs for medication costs
Educational resources about etoposide and cancer treatment

How can patients access these resources? Many cancer treatment centers offer comprehensive support services. Additionally, national organizations such as the American Cancer Society and CancerCare provide valuable information and support programs for cancer patients and their families.

The Role of Caregivers in Etoposide Treatment

Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting patients undergoing etoposide treatment. Their involvement can significantly impact the patient’s treatment experience and overall well-being.

What are some key responsibilities of caregivers for patients on etoposide?

Assisting with medication management and adherence
Monitoring for side effects and communicating with healthcare providers
Providing emotional support and encouragement
Helping with daily activities and transportation to medical appointments
Maintaining a safe and supportive home environment

How can caregivers take care of their own well-being while supporting a loved one? It’s essential for caregivers to practice self-care, seek support when needed, and communicate openly with the healthcare team. Many cancer support organizations offer resources specifically for caregivers to help them navigate their important role.

Etoposide in Pediatric Cancer Treatment

While etoposide is commonly used in adult cancer treatment, it also plays a significant role in treating certain pediatric cancers.

In which pediatric cancers is etoposide commonly used?

Neuroblastoma
Certain types of brain tumors
Ewing sarcoma
Some forms of leukemia

Are there special considerations for using etoposide in children? Pediatric dosing of etoposide is carefully calculated based on the child’s body surface area. Long-term follow-up is particularly important in pediatric patients to monitor for potential late effects of treatment, including impacts on growth and development.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Many cancer patients explore complementary therapies to help manage side effects and improve quality of life during etoposide treatment.

What complementary therapies might be beneficial alongside etoposide treatment?

Acupuncture for nausea and pain management
Meditation and mindfulness practices for stress reduction
Gentle exercise like yoga or tai chi for fatigue management
Massage therapy for relaxation and pain relief

Is it safe to use complementary therapies during etoposide treatment? While many complementary therapies can be safely used alongside conventional cancer treatments, it’s crucial to discuss any alternative or complementary approaches with your oncologist. Some therapies or supplements may interact with etoposide or other medications, potentially affecting treatment efficacy or safety.

Etoposide and Quality of Life Considerations

Balancing the benefits of etoposide treatment with its impact on quality of life is an important aspect of cancer care.

How can healthcare providers and patients work together to optimize quality of life during etoposide treatment?

Open communication about treatment goals and side effect management
Tailoring treatment schedules to minimize disruption to daily life when possible
Addressing psychosocial aspects of cancer treatment through counseling and support services
Exploring palliative care options to manage symptoms and improve comfort

What tools are available to assess quality of life during cancer treatment? Healthcare providers often use standardized questionnaires and assessment tools to evaluate a patient’s quality of life throughout treatment. These assessments can help guide adjustments to the treatment plan and supportive care strategies.

The Future of Etoposide: Ongoing Clinical Trials and Research

The landscape of cancer treatment is continually evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving outcomes for patients treated with etoposide and other chemotherapy agents.

What are some current areas of research involving etoposide?

Development of nanoparticle delivery systems for targeted therapy
Exploration of etoposide in combination with emerging immunotherapies
Investigation of molecular markers to predict treatment response and toxicity
Studies on optimal dosing schedules to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects

How can patients learn about and potentially participate in clinical trials involving etoposide? Patients interested in clinical trials should discuss options with their oncologist. Resources such as ClinicalTrials.gov provide information on ongoing studies, and many cancer centers have dedicated research teams to help patients explore trial opportunities.

As research continues to advance our understanding of etoposide and its applications in cancer treatment, patients and healthcare providers can look forward to potentially more effective and better-tolerated treatment options in the future. The ongoing commitment to improving cancer care through scientific investigation offers hope for enhanced outcomes and quality of life for those affected by cancer.

Etoposide Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Warnings:

This medication may cause certain severe blood and bone marrow problems (low red blood cells/white blood cells/platelets). This can affect your body’s ability to stop bleeding or fight infection. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual tiredness, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills), or easy bruising/bleeding (such as black stools, bloody vomit).

Warnings:

Uses

Etoposide is used to treat certain forms of lung cancer (such as small cell lung cancer). Etoposide works by slowing the growth of cancer cells.

How to use Etoposide

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can affect the removal of etoposide from your body, which may affect how etoposide works. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.

Side Effects

Precautions

Before taking etoposide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, blood problems (such as low red blood cells/white blood cells/platelets), previous radiation/chemotherapy treatment.

Etoposide can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Tell your health care professional that you are using etoposide before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, weakness, mouth/throat sores, loss of appetite, low white blood cells, and dehydration.

This medication can affect fertility in both males and females. Ask your doctor for more details.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using etoposide. Etoposide may harm an unborn baby. Women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using etoposide is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood cell counts, kidney/liver function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is important to take each dose of etoposide as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

etoposide 50 mg capsule

Color: dark pinkShape: oblongImprint: E50

This medicine is a dark pink, oblong, capsule imprinted with “E50”.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Etoposide: MedlinePlus Drug Information

pronounced as (e toe poe’ side)

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Etoposide can cause a severe decrease in the number of blood cells in your bone marrow. Your doctor will order laboratory tests regularly before and during your treatment. A decrease in the number of blood cells in your body may cause certain symptoms and may increase the risk that you will develop a serious infection or bleeding. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fever, sore throat, ongoing cough and congestion, or other signs of infection; unusual bleeding or bruising; bloody or black, tarry stools; bloody vomit; or vomiting blood or brown material that resembles coffee grounds.

Etoposide is used in combination with other medications to treat a certain type of lung cancer (small cell lung cancer; SCLC). Etoposide is in a class of medications known as podophyllotoxin derivatives. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Etoposide comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day for 4 or 5 days in a row. This cycle may be repeated once every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on your response to the medication. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have. Take etoposide at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take etoposide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Etoposide is also sometimes used to treat certain types of ovarian cancer (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking etoposide,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to etoposide, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in etoposide capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: cisplatin (Platinol), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with etoposide, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should not become pregnant or breast-feed while you are taking etoposide. If you become pregnant while taking etoposide, call your doctor. Etoposide may harm the fetus.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Etoposide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

nausea
vomiting
sores in the mouth and throat
stomach pain
diarrhea
constipation
loss of appetite or weight
unusual tiredness or weakness
pale skin
fainting
dizziness
hair loss
pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
eye pain
vision problems

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, stop taking etoposide and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

rash
hives
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
seizures
yellowing of the skin or eyes

Etopside may increase the risk that you will develop other cancers. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.

Etoposide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, in the refrigerator, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Do not freeze.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Vepesid^¶

^¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

Last Revised – 10/15/2017

Browse Drugs and Medicines

Description ETOPOSIDE indications, dosages, contraindications of the active substance ETOPOSIDE

Rec.INN
WHO registered

drug interaction

Included in preparations:
list

Pharmacological action

Antitumor agent. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin. The mechanism of action is associated with the inhibition of topoisomerase II. It inhibits mitosis, blocks cells in the S-G ₂ -interphase of the cell cycle, in higher doses it acts in the G ₂ -phase. A cytotoxic effect on normal healthy cells is observed only when etoposide is used in high doses.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, etoposide is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Bioavailability averages 50%. Distribution in the cerebrospinal fluid is low and variable; concentration in normal lung tissue is higher than in the presence of lung metastases; a close level of concentrations in the tissues of primary tumors and in normal tissues of the myometrium is determined.

There is a direct correlation between the binding coefficient of etoposide and the level of albumin in the blood plasma of healthy people and patients with cancer. Metabolized in the liver.

Final T _1/2 averages 7 hours. Excreted by the kidneys – 44-60%, with feces – up to 16%, with bile – 6% or less.

Indications of the active substance
ETOPOZID

Germ cell tumors (testicular tumors, choriocarcinoma), ovarian cancer, small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, lymphogranulomatosis, non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, gastric cancer (for monotherapy and as part of combination therapy), Ewing’s sarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, neuroblastoma, breast cancer (with metastases to the liver, pleura), acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia, mesothelioma.

Open list of ICD-10 codes

C16	Malignant neoplasm of stomach
C34	Malignant neoplasm of bronchi and lung
C40	Malignant neoplasm of bones and articular cartilage of extremities
C41	Malignant neoplasm of bones and articular cartilage of other and unspecified sites
C45	Mesothelioma
C46	Kaposi’s sarcoma
C47	Malignant neoplasm of peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous system
C50	Malignant neoplasm of the breast
C56	Malignant neoplasm of ovary
C58	Malignant neoplasm of placenta (choriocarcinoma, chorionepithelioma)
C62	Malignant neoplasm of testis
C81	Hodgkin’s disease [lymphogranulomatosis]
C82	Follicular [nodular] non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
C83	Non-follicular lymphoma
C85	Other and unspecified types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
C92. 0	Acute myeloid leukemia [AML]
C93.0	Acute monoblast/monocytic leukemia
C95.0	Acute leukemia, cell type unspecified

Dosing regimen

Set individually, depending on the indications and stage of the disease, the state of the hematopoietic system, antitumor therapy regimens.

Side effects

From the hematopoietic system: leukopenia, anemia; less often – thrombocytopenia.

From the digestive system: nausea, vomiting; rarely – anorexia, mucositis, diarrhea; when used in high doses – toxic reactions from the liver.

From the side of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system: drowsiness, increased fatigue; damage to the peripheral nervous system.

From the side of metabolism: hyperuricemia; when using high doses – metabolic acidosis.

From the side of the cardiovascular system: tachycardia, arterial hypotension.

From the reproductive system: azoospermia, amenorrhea.

Allergic reactions: chills, fever, bronchospasm.

Dermatological reactions: alopecia.

Contraindications for use

Severe myelodepression, severe liver and kidney dysfunction, pregnancy, children under 2 years of age, hypersensitivity to podophyllin or its derivatives.

Use in pregnancy and lactation

Etoposide is contraindicated in pregnancy. If necessary, use during lactation should stop breastfeeding.

Patients of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after treatment.

In experimental studies etoposide was found to be teratogenic and embryotoxic.

Use in hepatic impairment

Contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment.

Use with caution in patients with impaired liver function.

Use in impaired renal function

Contraindicated in severe renal impairment.

In case of moderate and mild impairment of renal function, the dose is reduced in accordance with the CC values.

Use in children

Contraindicated in children under 2 years of age.

Use with caution in children over 2 years of age.

Special instructions

Use with caution in patients with previous radiation or chemotherapy, with chickenpox, herpes zoster, infectious lesions of the mucous membranes, with cardiac arrhythmias, with an increased risk of developing myocardial infarction, impaired liver function, diseases of the nervous system ( epilepsy), chronic alcoholism, in children older than 2 years.

In case of impaired renal function, the dose is reduced in accordance with the CC values.

Before starting and during therapy, the picture of peripheral blood should be monitored.

Vaccination of patients and their families is not recommended.

Experimental studies have shown that etoposide has a mutagenic effect.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms

During treatment, you should refrain from activities that require increased attention and quick psychomotor reactions.

Drug interactions

When used simultaneously with other drugs that cause myelodepression, additive bone marrow suppression is possible.

With simultaneous use with cisplatin, a decrease in the clearance of etoposide and an increase in its toxicity are possible.

High doses of cyclosporine may reduce the clearance of etoposide and prolong its duration of action, and may increase leukopenia.

Use of etoposide in the treatment of children with cancer

Chemotherapy

Trademarks:

Toposar®

Other names:

VP-16, VePesid ^®

Often used for:

Leukemia, brain tumors, germ cell tumors, retinoblastoma, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, Wilms tumor, other solid tumors

Etoposide is a drug used in chemotherapy. Its action is aimed at slowing down or stopping cell growth. Therapy with this drug can be done in a clinic, hospital, or outpatient setting. The schedule of administration and dosage depend on the diagnosis, the age of the child and the method of administration.

During therapy, the patient will need to have regular tests to check blood counts and monitor liver and kidney function. In addition, the patient’s blood pressure may be checked before and after intravenous administration.

Oral capsule or liquid form

Administered intravenously (by drip) in liquid form

Intraventricular injection into the cerebrospinal fluid (through the Ommaya reservoir)

Low blood pressure (when administered intravenously)
Liver disorders
Hair loss
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Low blood counts (may lead to increased risk of infection, bleeding, anemia and/or increased fatigue)
Ulcers in the mouth
Diarrhea
Skin irritation, rash
Abdominal pain
General weakness or fatigue
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

The listed side effects are not observed in all patients who are prescribed etoposide. The most common side effects are highlighted in bold, but others are not excluded. Report all possible side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Some patients may experience long-term side effects or long-term effects that persist from the time of taking the drug or appear only several months or years after the end of the drug. Possible long-term effects of therapy with etoposide:

Secondary acute leukemia

Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not eat grapefruit or orange juice or drink grapefruit or orange juice or drinks containing these juices when taking this drug.
Sexually active patients should use contraceptive methods during therapy and for 6 months thereafter.
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should notify their physician.
Caregivers should follow instructions for safe handling and disposal of the drug and avoid contact with patient body fluids.