Etoposide
Brand Names
VePesid, Etopophos (obsolete), ToposarWhat is Etoposide
Etoposide is a medicine that is used to treat cancer of the lung or testicles. It refers to a class of medications known as podophyllotoxin derivatives and works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Side effects of Etoposide
Side effects of Etoposide are the followings:
- swelling, pain, redness or burning at the injection site;
- 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.
But if you have any of these serious symptoms it is necessary to visit your doctor immediately:
- rash;
- hives;
- itching;
- difficulty breathing or swallowing;
- fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat;
- seizures;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Indication
Etoposide is used to treat cancer of the lung or testicles.
Precautions
Before using Etoposide you should inform your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- a weak immune system (from disease or from taking certain medicines).
Dosage forms
Usual adult dose for:
Testicular Cancer is 50 to 100 mg/m2 IV once a day on days 1 through 5 or 100 mg/m2 IV once a day on days 1,3 and 5;
Small Cell Lung Cancer is 35 to 50 mg/m2 IV once a day for 4 to 5 days or 70 to 100 mg/m2 orally once a day for 4 to 5 days.
