Etoposide

• Treatment of small cell lung cancer, malignant lymphomas, acute leukaemia, and testicular tumours.

When should one not use Etoposide

• If you have a known hypersensitivity or severe allergic reaction to etoposide or any of the inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol or polysorbates).
• If you have severe bone marrow suppression or severely low blood cell counts before starting treatment.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding require special precautions and should be discussed with your doctor.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Bone marrow suppression leading to leukopenia/neutropenia (low white blood cells, increasing infection risk), thrombocytopenia (low platelets, causing bruising or bleeding), and anemia (causing fatigue)
• Hair loss or thinning (alopecia, which is generally reversible)
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Asthenia (weakness) and fatigue
• Mucositis or stomatitis (mouth sores)
• Diarrhea and abdominal pain
• Transient hypotension (low blood pressure) during rapid infusion
• Rash, itching, or skin pigmentation changes
• Fever and chills
• Peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling)
• Severe, life-threatening neutropenic fever and serious infections (such as sepsis or pneumonia)
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including sudden rash, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis during infusion)
• Secondary malignancies (such as acute leukemia associated with previous exposure to etoposide )
• Severe hepatic or renal impairment
• Radiation recall dermatitis (in patients with prior radiation therapy)

Other General Warnings

• You experience a fever, chills, or any signs of infection during treatment, as prompt medical evaluation is critical.
• You notice sudden dizziness, flushing, or wheezing during your infusion, which can indicate an allergic reaction.
• You experience severe, painful mouth sores or persistent vomiting that prevents fluid intake.
• You have a history of prior radiation therapy, as skin reactions can occur in previously treated areas.
• Keep all scheduled blood test appointments so your doctor can check your white blood cell counts, red blood cells, and platelets before every infusion.
• Report any fever, chills, sore throat, or signs of infection to your medical team immediately, as neutropenic fever requires urgent care.
• Inform your nurse right away if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or short of breath during the infusion, as the rate may need to be slowed down.
• Inform all your healthcare providers that you are taking this medication before undergoing any other medical procedures or dental work.
• Watch for unusual bruising, tiny red spots on the skin, or bleeding from the gums.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Avoid live vaccines during treatment and for a period afterward, as your weakened immune system can lead to severe infections.
• Inform your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements you are taking, especially other myelosuppressive chemotherapy agents or nephrotoxic drugs.
• Some medicines may increase or decrease the amount of etoposide in your body, which can affect how well it works or increase side effects. These include clarithromycin, ketoconazole, rifampicin, and phenytoin. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take
• Tell your doctor if you are taking cyclosporine, as it may increase etoposide exposure and toxicity.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose