Etoposide, VP-16 capsules
What are etoposide capsules?
ETOPOSIDE, VP-16 (VePesid®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Etoposide interferes with the growth of cells. Etoposide is effective in treating cancer of the lung and testicles. Generic etoposide capsules are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take etoposide?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
bleeding problems
-
blood disorders
-
having intramuscular injections
-
infection (bacterial, viral or fungal)
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to etoposide, other chemotherapeutic agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take etoposide capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. After several days of treatment there is usually a break of 3 to 4 weeks before the treatment is repeated.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip that dose unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you otherwise. Do not take double or extra doses. If you vomit after taking a dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
What drug(s) may interact with etoposide?
-
bosentan
-
cisplatin
-
cyclosporine
-
cytarabine
-
ifosfamide
-
live virus vaccines
-
methotrexate
-
verapamil
-
voriconazole
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking etoposide?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.
Etoposide may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because etoposide affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.
Etoposide can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
While you are taking etoposide you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.
Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.
What side effects may I notice from taking etoposide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
-
black, tarry stools
-
blood in the urine
-
difficulty breathing, wheezing
-
fast heartbeat
-
fever or chills, cough or sore throat
-
lower back pain
-
mouth or throat sores or ulcers
-
pain or difficulty passing urine
-
unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on your skin
-
unusual tiredness or weakness
-
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-
diarrhea
-
hair loss
-
headache
-
loss of appetite
-
nausea
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F); do not freeze.
Etoposide, VP-16 injection
What is etoposide injection?
ETOPOSIDE, VP-16 (VePesid®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Etoposide interferes with the growth of cells. Etoposide is effective in treating cancer of the lung and testicles. Generic etoposide injections are available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive etoposide?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
bleeding problems
-
blood disorders
-
having intramuscular injections
-
infection (bacterial, viral or fungal)
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to etoposide, other chemotherapeutic agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Etoposide is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting by a trained health care professional.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss a dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What drug(s) may interact with etoposide?
-
bosentan
-
cisplatin
-
cyclosporine
-
cytarabine
-
ifosfamide
-
live virus vaccines
-
methotrexate
-
verapamil
-
voriconazole
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking etoposide?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.
Etoposide may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because etoposide affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.
Etoposide can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
While you are taking etoposide you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.
Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.
What side effects may I notice from receiving etoposide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
-
black, tarry stools
-
blood in the urine
-
difficulty breathing, wheezing
-
fast heartbeat
-
fainting spells, lightheadedness
-
fever or chills, cough or sore throat
-
lower back pain
-
mouth or throat sores or ulcers
-
pain or difficulty passing urine
-
pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site
-
unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on your skin. nose bleeds
-
unusual tiredness or weakness
-
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-
diarrhea
-
hair loss
-
headache
-
loss of appetite
-
nausea
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Follow manufacturer's advice on the storage of diluted solutions. Throw away any unused injection solution.