Etoposide

When should one not use Etoposide

• If you are allergic to etoposide or any of the ingredients of Etoposide
• If you have recently taken any live vaccines
• If you are a breastfeeding mother

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Constipation, stomach pain
• Fever, infection, dizziness
• Skin rash, redness, itching
• Weakness
• Hair loss
• Irregular heartbeats
• Low blood platelets, anaemia, low WBCs

Other General Warnings

• You have problems with your heart, liver or kidneys
• You recently had chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• You have a condition in which the bone marrow activity is reduced, Myelosuppression.
• If you develop fever, chills, rapid heart rates, low blood pressure and shortness of breath (anaphylactic reaction), immediately contact the doctor.
• You have infections.
• You have a low level of albumin (protein) in your blood.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Etoposide works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Especially if you are taking medicines to treat heart problems, cancer, fits or are taking painkillers, blood thinners, ciclosporin or have recently taken live vaccines.

Overdose

• This medicine will be given to you by a doctor or nurse. Therefore, it is less likely that you may get an overdose on this medicine. If you experience any symptoms right after taking this medicine, seek medical help.

Missed a Dose