ETOPOSIDE
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved etoposide as an anticancer medication to treat certain types of cancer on 11 April 1983.
Uses
Etoposide treats testicular, small-cell lung, acute myeloid leukemia (blood cancer), Hodgkinâs and non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma, and ovarian cancer. This medicine can prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and prevents cell division which ultimately leads to cell death.
How is it administered?
Etoposide injection: It is an intravenous infusion drug that is injected through the veins. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on your medical condition because it differs for each person. Etoposide capsule: Etoposide capsule is taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water. Avoid chewing, breaking, or crushing it. Your physician will choose the dosage based on your medical condition because it differs for each person.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Etoposide are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, changes in skin color, weakness, asthenia (feeling weak), temporary hair loss, and high or low blood pressure, dizziness, redness of the skin, sore lips, throat, or mouth ulcers. Some serious effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Etoposide are severe allergic reactions (swelling of tongue, or throat, breathing difficulties, rash, flushing, fast heartbeat), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), a blood disorder, hepatotoxicity (damage to the liver), acute leukemia.
Warnings
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because this may cause harm to the unborn baby. If you are breastfeeding, it has stopped immediately. Consult a doctor for more information. Discuss your fertility problem with the doctor because, in men, it is advised not to father a child during and after the 6 months of treatment. So it is advised to get suggestions about fertility concerns. Inform your doctor if you have had any history of kidney or liver problems.
Precautions
You need regular blood tests while taking Etoposide to monitor your liver and kidney function. Notify your doctor immediately if you have undergone or are planning to take any radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Report to your doctor immediately if you have taken or planning to take the yellow fever vaccine or any live vaccines and other medications before starting with Etoposide because it might reduce the effectiveness of this medicine and may cause side effects. Inform your doctor if your blood has lower albumin (protein).
Word of Advice
Both men and women must use effective birth control during treatment and for at least six months after the last dose of Etoposide Injection. Keep tablets away from light and moisture. Keep Etoposide out of sight and reach of children. Store at controlled room temperature between 15°C to 30°C. Store in the original package. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
References
Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1714 -1715. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 866. Neon Healthcare Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on Sept 2022] [ Accessed on 29th - Mar- 2023 ], pil.10533.pdf (medicines.org.uk)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I tell my doctor before starting Etoposide?
Before starting Etoposide, you should tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially kidney or liver problems, and any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Inform your doctor if you had or are currently planning to take radiotherapy or chemotherapy. If you have low levels of protein (albumin) in your blood, it has to be notified to the doctor.
How often do I need to have blood tests while on Etoposide?
You will need regular blood tests while taking Etoposide to monitor your liver and kidney function.
Can Etoposide cause skin problems?
Skin problems include a skin rash, dry skin, and itching. This usually goes back to normal when your treatment finishes.
Should I use contraception even after the treatment with Etoposide?
Yes, contraception is mandatory during and after treatment with Etoposide for at least six months.
What fertility concerns should be discussed while taking an Etoposide injection?
Discuss your fertility problem with the doctor since, in men; it is advised not to father a child during and after the 3 months of treatment. So it is advised to get suggestions about fertility concerns. Avoid planning for the pregnancy because it may affect your unborn baby.
Why do I feel constipated while taking Etoposide?
Constipation is a known side effect of Etoposide treatment. It kills rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and some healthy cells in the body, such as those in the digestive tract. When the cells lining of the digestive tract are affected by etoposide, it can slow down or even stop the normal movement of waste products through the intestines, leading to constipation.