ETOPOSIDE - ORAL

ETOPOSIDE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (e-TOE-poe-side)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vepesid

GENERIC NAME(S): etoposide

Uses

USES: Etoposide is used alone or in combination with other medications 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 - ORAL

HOW TO USE: 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

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol, and rinse your mouth frequently with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt. It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat, cough). Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling of arms/legs, sudden vision changes, eye pain, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, painful/difficult swallowing. Although etoposide may be used to treat certain leukemias, it may rarely cause acute leukemia. Ask your doctor for more details. This medication can affect sperm production, an effect that may lower male fertility. This medication may also lower female fertility. Consult your doctor for more details. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, seizures. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

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 worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. 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 loss of too much body water (dehydration). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while taking etoposide. Etoposide may harm an unborn baby. Women should ask about reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication and for 6 months after stopping treatment. Men should ask about reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication and for 4 months after stopping treatment. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. 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. 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

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

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.

Images

ETOPOSIDE 50 MG CAPSULE

color
dark pink
shape
oblong
imprint
E50

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Faq for ETOPOSIDE - ORAL

Etoposide is an oral medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as topoisomerase inhibitors. It is used for the treatment of certain types of cancer, including lung cancer, testicular cancer, and certain types of leukemia.

Etoposide works by interfering with the DNA replication process in cancer cells, ultimately causing cell death. It inhibits an enzyme called topoisomerase II, which is involved in separating the DNA strands during replication. By blocking this enzyme, Etoposide prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing.

Common side effects of Etoposide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, mouth sores, hair loss, fatigue, and low blood cell counts. In some cases, Etoposide may also cause allergic reactions or damage to the liver or lungs.

Etoposide is usually taken orally, as a capsule or a liquid. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule provided by your doctor. Etoposide may be taken with or without food, but certain food or medications may interact with it, so it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider.

Yes, there are certain precautions and warnings to consider before taking Etoposide. It may cause birth defects if used during pregnancy, so it is crucial to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It may also lower your body's ability to fight infections, so you should avoid close contact with people who have infections. Your doctor will monitor your blood cell counts regularly during treatment.

Yes, Etoposide can be used in children. However, the dosage and administration may differ depending on the age and weight of the child. It is important to consult with a pediatric oncologist for appropriate dosing and to monitor for any potential side effects.

The duration of treatment with Etoposide varies depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated. It can range from a few weeks to several months. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment duration for your specific condition.

Etoposide is commonly used in combination with other medications for the treatment of cancer. The specific combination of drugs will depend on the type and stage of cancer. Your oncologist will determine the best treatment plan for you.

If you miss a dose of Etoposide, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for instructions. In some cases, they may advise you to take the missed dose as soon as possible, while in other cases, they may adjust your dosing schedule.

Etoposide oral is used to treat various types of cancer, including lung cancer, testicular cancer, and certain types of leukemia.

Etoposide oral works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body. It belongs to a class of medications called topoisomerase inhibitors.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, hair loss, and fatigue. However, it is important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects.

Etoposide oral is usually taken once or twice a day with plenty of water, either with or without food. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on your specific condition and response to the medication, so it is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions.

It is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Etoposide oral, as it may increase the risk of certain side effects and may also reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Etoposide oral is not recommended during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and harm the nursing infant. It is important to discuss any potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

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

Etoposide oral may interact with certain medications, including blood-thinners, live vaccines, and medications that lower the activity of the immune system. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

The time it takes for Etoposide oral to work can vary depending on the condition being treated and individual response. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress during treatment to determine its effectiveness.


Warning

WARNING: 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 fever, chills, persistent sore throat), or easy bruising/bleeding (such as black stools, bloody vomit).


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.