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 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.
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 miss a dose of etoposide phosphate?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your etoposide phosphate
injection.
Where can I get more information about etoposide phosphate?
Your pharmacist has information about etoposide phosphate written for health professionals that you may read.
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.
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 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.
What other drugs will 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 happens if I have an overdose of etoposide phosphate?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
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interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009