Generic Name: etoposide phosphate (e TOE poe side FOS fate)
Brand Names: Etopophos
What is etoposide phosphate?
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 not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about etoposide phosphate?
Do not receive etoposide phosphate if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
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 are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Visit your doctor regularly.
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 discuss with my health care provider before using etoposide phosphate?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to etoposide.
To make sure you can safely receive etoposide phosphate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- kidney disease; or
a weak immune system (from disease or from taking certain medicines).
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use etoposide phosphate 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. You should not breast-feed while you are being treated with etoposide phosphate.
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 is etoposide phosphate given?
Etoposide phosphate is injected into a vein through an IV. 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 etoposide phosphate 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.
Your blood may need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Visit your doctor regularly.
Etoposide phosphate is used together with other cancer medications. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your etoposide phosphate 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 phosphate?
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.
Etoposide phosphate side effects
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 a serious side effect such as:
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given;
feeling like you might pass out; or
severe nausea and vomiting.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
constipation, diarrhea;
dizziness, feeling tired or weak;
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.
Etoposide phosphate Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Testicular Cancer:
(In combination with other approved chemotherapeutic agents) Initial dose: 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.
Usual Adult Dose for Small Cell Lung Cancer:
(In combination with other approved chemotherapeutic agents) Initial dose: 35 to 50 mg/m2 IV once a day for 4 to 5 days.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Testicular Cancer:
The manufacturer has stated that clinical studies of etoposide for the treatment of refractory testicular tumors did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years or over to determine if they respond differently from younger patients.
What other drugs will affect etoposide phosphate?
Before you receive etoposide phosphate, tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf).
There may be other drugs that can interact with etoposide phosphate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More etoposide phosphate resources
- Etoposide phosphate Side Effects (in more detail)
- Etoposide phosphate Dosage
- Etoposide phosphate Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Etoposide phosphate Drug Interactions
- Etoposide phosphate Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Etoposide phosphate - Add your own review/rating
- Etopophos Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Etopophos Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Etopophos MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare etoposide phosphate with other medications
- Cancer
- Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Ovarian Cancer
- Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about etoposide phosphate.
See also: etoposide phosphate side effects (in more detail)
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