Etoposide injection Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Etoposide (injection)

Generic name: etoposide (injection) [ ee-TOE-poe-side ]
Brand name: Toposar
Dosage form: intravenous solution (20 mg/mL)
Drug class: Mitotic inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 25, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is etoposide?

Etoposide is used to treat cancer of the lung or testicles. It is usually given with other cancer medicines in a combination chemotherapy.

Etoposide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Etoposide can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, sore throat, trouble breathing).

## Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with etoposide if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease.

Using etoposide may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.

Etoposide can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using etoposide.

- If you are a woman, do not use etoposide if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

- If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 4 months after your last dose.

- Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using etoposide.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because etoposide can harm an unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed while you are using etoposide.

## Related/similar drugs

methotrexate, paclitaxel, Keytruda, cisplatin, Taxol, cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil

## How is etoposide given?

Etoposide is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Etoposide is usually given as part of a 4-day or 5-day treatment cycle every 3 or 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Etoposide can be harmful if it gets on your skin. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water.

Etoposide can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Detailed Etoposide dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your etoposide injection.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while receiving etoposide?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using etoposide. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

## What are the side effects of etoposide?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (fever, chills, sweating, hives, fast heartbeats, feeling light-headed, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Etoposide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing;

- easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;

- severe ongoing nausea or vomiting;

- sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;

- upper stomach pain, loss of appetite;

- vision problems; or

- a seizure (convulsions).

Common side effects of etoposide may include:

- low white blood cell counts.

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.

Etoposide side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect etoposide?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

- aspirin;

- warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or

- seizure mediation.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect etoposide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Etoposide drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

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.

## More about etoposide

- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: mitotic inhibitors
- Breastfeeding

### Patient resources

- Drug Information
- Etoposide phosphate
- Etoposide (Advanced Reading)
- Etoposide Oral, Intravenous (Advanced Reading)
- Etoposide Capsules

#### Other brands

VePesid, Etopophos, Toposar

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Cancer
- Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Ovarian Cancer
- Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Testicular Cancer

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01.