Etoposide
About Etoposide
Etoposide belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs primarily used to treat various types of cancer. It is used to treat testicular cancer, small cell lung cancer, cancer of the blood (acute myeloid leukaemia), ovarian cancer, and tumour in the lymphatic system (Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma). Cancer is a genetic change in which our cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are many types of cancer, including blood, lung, breast, etc.
Etoposide contains Etoposide, which is primarily used to treat various types of cancers. It works by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for cancer cell proliferation and induces cell death (apoptosis). As a result, the growth and spread of cancer cells are stopped or slowed down.
Take Etoposide with a glass of water on an empty stomach or as directed by your doctor. Depending upon your medical condition, you are advised to take Etoposide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Sometimes, you may experience temporary hair loss, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, irregular heartbeat, and skin problems such as itching or rash. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Etoposide if you are allergic to Etoposide or its ingredients. While taking Etoposide, you might become more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to protect your skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Regular blood tests are required to monitor liver function and blood cells in the blood while taking Etoposide. Do not take Etoposide if you have recently been given a live vaccine if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
Uses of Etoposide
Medicinal Benefits
Etoposide belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs containing Etoposide primarily used to treat various cancer types. It is used to treat testicular cancer, small cell lung cancer, cancer of the blood, ovarian cancer, tumor in the lymphatic system. It works by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for cancer cell proliferation and induces cell death (apoptosis). As a result, the growth and spread of cancer cells are stopped or slowed down.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Etoposide
- Temporary hair loss
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Blood disorders (this is why you will be having blood tests between courses of treatment)
- Loss of appetite
- Damage to the liver (hepatotoxicity)
- Liver enzymes
- Changes in skin colour (pigmentation)
- Jaundice (increased bilirubin)
- Feeling weak (asthenia)
- Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
Drug Warnings
Do not take Etoposide if you are allergic to Etoposide or its ingredients. Inform your doctor before taking Etoposide if you have active infections or low levels of a protein called albumin in blood, liver, or kidney problems. Etoposide may cause blurry vision and dizziness, so do not drive or operate machinery requiring concentration. While taking Etoposide, you might become more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to protect your skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF) while going out, as it can lead to a skin rash if you are not using a strong SPF. Etoposide can cause a reduction in some blood cells, which may make you more susceptible to infections; consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections. You will need to take regular blood tests during treatment with this medicine. If you have reduced kidney or liver function, your doctor may also advise taking regular blood tests while on this medication. Before taking Etoposide, inform your doctor, especially if you are on a drug such as cisplatin (a medicine used to treat cancer), live vaccines, warfarin (a medicine used to prevent blood clots), and drugs used to treat epilepsy. Etoposide is not recommended to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless indicated by the doctor. Do not have a 'live' vaccine while using this medication, as it may not work as well during this time. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice sudden chest pain, discomfort, seizure (convulsions), or unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Etoposide may interact with antibiotics (ciprofloxacin); medicine used to treat cancer (cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel); medicine used to prevent neutropenia (a lack of certain white blood cells) (pegfilgrastim, filgrastim).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Etoposide as it may increase drowsiness and lead to unpleasant side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Etoposide may interact with disease conditions, including Myelosuppression (decrease in bone marrow activity), active infections, and renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Etoposide as it may increase drowsiness and lead to unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionEtoposide is a pregnancy category D drug. It should not be used in pregnancy as it is known to cause fetal damage. Also, maintain a gap of 6 months between the last dose of Etoposide and your next pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionEtoposide is known to pass through breast milk, and it may cause harm to the baby. So, it is advised not to breastfeed while taking Etoposide.
Driving
cautionEtoposide may cause weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionThe safety and efficacy of Etoposide are not known in children. It should be taken only if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, and high fibre content. Also, eat small and frequent meals for a speedy recovery.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Also, avoid high fat and cholesterol diet.
Special Advise
- A blood test is required to monitor liver function and blood cells while taking Etoposide.
- While taking Etoposide, you might become more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to protect your skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF) while going out, as it can lead to a skin rash if you are not using a strong SPF.
- Do not have immunizations with live vaccines (for mumps, rubella, measles and BCG, yellow fever and shingles or pox chicken) while you’re having treatment and for up to 12 months afterwards.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any infection signs, including a temperature above 37.5 C or below 36 C.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: It is a genetic change in which our cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer: benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). There are many types of cancer, including blood cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, etc. Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy (by strong antibiotics), radiation, and stem cell therapy.
FAQs
Etoposide is used to treat testicular cancer, small cell lung cancer, cancer of the blood (acute myeloid leukaemia), ovarian cancer, and tumour in the lymphatic system (Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma).
Do not stop taking Etoposide on your own. You are advised to take Etoposide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. Do not be hesitant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Etoposide.
Etoposide contains Etoposide, an anti-cancer medication that works by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for the proliferation of cancer cells and hence induces cell death (apoptosis). As a result, the growth and spread of cancer cells are stopped or slowed down.
While taking Etoposide, make sure you visit your doctor at all the appointments to ensure that treatment is working. Regular monitoring of blood and urine tests, weight checks are required. An effective way of contraception should be used by both men and women while taking Etoposide.
Etoposide can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
The live vaccine may not work while on treatment with Etoposide. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without talking to your doctor first. Also, avoid contact with people who recently had immunizations /vaccinations.
