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compositionComposition:ETOPOSIDE-50MG
prescription
Prescription Medicine
info
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Etoposide 50 mg Capsule is used to treat various types of cancer, including testicular cancer, small cell lung cancer, blood cancer, ovarian cancer, and lymphoma. It contains Etoposide which works by preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells. In some cases, this medicine may cause side effects such as temporary hair loss, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and irregular heartbeat. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any other medication, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

ETOPOSIDE-50MG

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Etoposide 50 mg Capsule

Etoposide 50 mg Capsule is an oral prescription medication used to treat certain types of cancers, primarily small cell lung cancer and testicular cancer. Its main medical purpose is to target and destroy rapidly multiplying cancer cells in the body. It is typically prescribed after other treatments have been tried or in combination with other chemotherapy medications.

You will usually take Etoposide 50 mg Capsule once a day on a strict schedule for several consecutive days, followed by a rest period. It is highly important to take this medicine consistently at the same time each day to maintain steady levels in your body. You can take the capsules with or without food, but you should adopt a diet rich in fluids and eat small, frequent meals to help manage treatment-related fatigue and nausea.

Many people experience temporary hair loss, mild nausea, or feeling very tired while taking this medicine. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you develop serious side effects, such as a high fever, severe sore throat, unusual bruising, or sudden shortness of breath.

Before starting Etoposide 50 mg Capsule, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver damage, or a history of low blood cell counts. Do not take this if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have had a severe allergic reaction to this medication in the past.

This medicine can interact negatively with certain medications, alcohol, and tobacco, which can increase the risk of severe side effects or weaken your immune system. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an elderly individual, you must consult your doctor before starting treatment to discuss the risks and benefits.

Uses of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule

Etoposide 50 mg Capsule is used to treat certain types of cancers, primarily small cell lung cancer and testicular cancer. The detailed uses of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule are as follows:

  • Small cell lung cancer: Etoposide 50 mg Capsule helps by slowing down or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the lungs, preventing the tumour from spreading.
  • Testicular cancer: Etoposide 50 mg Capsule is used to target and destroy abnormal cancer cells in the testicles, often when other treatments have not fully cleared the disease.
  • Certain types of blood cancer: In specific cases, doctors prescribe Etoposide 50 mg Capsule to treat cancers that affect white blood cells, helping to restore normal blood cell production.

Key Benefits

Etoposide 50 mg Capsule helps treat certain types of cancer by slowing or stopping the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells. By controlling tumour growth, it supports cancer treatment, helps relieve disease-related symptoms, and contributes to improved quality of life.

  • Helps Control Tumour Growth: By preventing cancer cells from multiplying, Etoposide 50 mg Capsule helps shrink tumours or slow their progression, supporting the overall management of the disease.
  • Helps Reduce Cancer-Related Symptoms: As tumour growth is controlled, Etoposide 50 mg Capsule may help relieve symptoms such as pain, pressure, or breathing discomfort caused by the tumour, improving day-to-day comfort.
  • Offers the Convenience of Oral Treatment: As an oral capsule, Etoposide 50 mg Capsule allows eligible patients to receive chemotherapy at home as prescribed by their healthcare provider, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits for intravenous treatments.
Side effects of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule
  • Include iron-rich foods like dark leafy vegetables, lean red meat, legumes and fish in your diet.
  • Consume vitamin C-rich foods as they aid iron absorption.
  • Limit tea, cocoa, and coffee as these can slow iron absorption.
  • Exercise regularly; however, do not overdo it.
  • Eat well-cooked food to minimize infection risk.
  • Practice good hand hygiene to prevent infections.
  • Avoid crowds and people with illnesses to reduce exposure.
  • Wear a mask when necessary to lower infection risk.
  • Rest adequately to support your body's healing process.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Regularly monitor blood cell counts for changes.
  • Seek immediate medical help if symptoms like fever, chills, or fatigue occur.
  • Consult your doctor right away if concerning symptoms arise.
  • Follow your doctor's guidance on managing myelosuppression and infection prevention.
Here are the steps to cope with constipation as a side effect of medication:
  • Inform your doctor about your constipation symptoms. They may adjust your medication or advise alternative treatments.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient of water (at least 8-10 glasses a day) to help soften stool and promote bowel movements.
  • Increase fibre intake by eating foods high in fibre, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables and legumes, to help bulk up the stool.
  • Establish a bowel routine by trying to go to the bathroom at the same time each day to train your bowels.
  • Engaging in regular exercise, like walking or yoga, can support in bowel movement stimulation.
  • Consult your doctor if constipation persists, and discuss alternative treatments or adjustments to your medication.
Overcome Medication-Induced Nausea: A 9-Step Plan
  • Inform your doctor about the nausea and discuss possible alternatives to the medication or adjustments to the dosage.
  • Divide your daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea.
  • Opt for bland, easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, plain rice, bananas, and applesauce.
  • Avoid certain foods that can trigger nausea, such as fatty, greasy, spicy, and smelly foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks.
  • Use ginger (tea, ale, or candies) to help relieve nausea.
  • Get adequate rest and also avoid strenuous activities that can worsen nausea.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication if your nausea is severe.
  • Record when your nausea occurs, what triggers it, and what provides relief to help you identify patterns and manage your symptoms more effectively.
To prevent, manage, and treat Constipation caused by medication usage, follow these steps:
  • Preventing Vomiting (Before it Happens)
  • Take medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This can help minimize side effects, including vomiting.
  • Having a small meal before taking your medication can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication along with your prescribed medication.
  • Managing Vomiting (If it Happens)
  • Try taking ginger in the form of tea, ale, or candy to help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
  • What to Do if Vomiting Persists
  • Consult your doctor if vomiting continues or worsens, consult the doctor for guidance on adjusting your medication or additional treatment.
  • If you experience symptoms such as mouth ulcers, redness, difficulty in swallowing or talking, abdominal pain, and painful bowel movements as a drug side effect, consult your doctor as they may adjust the dose if necessary or prescribe alternative medication.
  • Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, to prevent infection.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your mucous membranes hydrated and promote healing.
  • Avoid spicy or acidic foods, which can irritate the mucous membranes and exacerbate inflammation.
  • Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, to reduce inflammation.
  • Follow a soft food diet to reduce discomfort and promote healing.

Directions for Use

  • Take Etoposide 50 mg Capsule on an empty stomach or as advised by your doctor.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
  • Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not crush, chew or break it.

How Etoposide 50 mg Capsule Works

Etoposide 50 mg Capsule contains etoposide, which belongs to a group of medicines known as topoisomerase inhibitors. In order for cancer cells to grow and divide, they must copy their genetic code (DNA). Etoposide 50 mg Capsule works by blocking a specific protein in the body called topoisomerase II, which cells need to repair and replicate their DNA. When this protein is blocked, breaks occur in the cancer cells' DNA structure that cannot be repaired. This damage triggers the cancer cells to stop multiplying and eventually die. Because cancer cells divide much faster than healthy cells, they are far more sensitive to this medicine, which helps protect your healthy tissues while clearing the cancer.
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Alcohol

Caution

Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule as it may increase drowsiness and lead to unpleasant side effects.

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Pregnancy

Caution

Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 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 50 mg Capsule and your next pregnancy.

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Breast Feeding

Caution

Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 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 50 mg Capsule.

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Driving

Caution

Etoposide 50 mg Capsule may cause weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.

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Liver

Caution

Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.

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Kidney

Caution

Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.

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Children

Caution

The safety and efficacy of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule are not known in children. It should be taken only if prescribed by a doctor.

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Heart

Caution

Etoposide 50 mg Capsule should be taken with caution in patients with heart problems. Please inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing heart problems before using Etoposide 50 mg Capsule.

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Geriatrics

Caution

Etoposide 50 mg Capsule should be given with caution in elderly patients due to an increased risk of side effects. If you have any concerns, please consult your doctor.

What if I have taken an overdose of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule

If you take more capsules than prescribed, seek emergency medical care immediately. An overdose can cause severe blood cell depletion and intense stomach pain. Bring your medication bottle with you so the healthcare providers know exactly what you took.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to help your kidneys process and clear the medication safely.
  • Eat small, nutrient-dense meals every few hours to help manage nausea and keep your strength up.
  • Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and unpasteurised dairy, as your weakened immune system makes you more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid flossing aggressively to protect your gums, which may bleed easily during treatment.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold, flu, or other infections.
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How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Etoposide 50 mg Capsule to start to work: Etoposide 50 mg Capsule starts to show its action within 1 to 2 hours of administration. The time for which the effects of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule last: Etoposide 50 mg Capsule effect lasts for 8 to 12 hours.

What if you forget to take Etoposide 50 mg Capsule

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on that same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Storage

• Store Etoposide 50 mg Capsule capsules in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

Drug Warnings

  • Always inspect each capsule carefully before taking it; never use a capsule that is cracked, broken, or leaking.
  • Wear disposable gloves if you must handle a damaged capsule to prevent the medication from absorbing through your skin.
  • Keep all scheduled appointments for blood tests, as your doctor needs to check your blood cell counts regularly to ensure it is safe to continue.
  • Do not get any live vaccinations while taking this medicine, as your body's defence system is too weak to handle them safely.
  • Use two highly effective methods of birth control during your treatment and for several months afterward to prevent pregnancy.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • Blood thinners (such as warfarin): May significantly increase your risk of severe bleeding.
  • Other immunosuppressants or chemotherapy drugs: Can lower your white blood cell count to dangerous levels, severely increasing infection risks.
  • Anti-seizure medications (such as phenytoin): Can lower the level of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule in your body, potentially making your treatment less effective.
EtoposideRotavirus vaccine
Critical
EtoposideIdelalisib
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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EtoposideRotavirus vaccine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 50 mg Capsule:
When the Rotavirus vaccine is used together with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule, it may not work as well.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule with the Rotavirus vaccine can cause an, please consult doctor before taking it. You may be at risk of acquiring an infection from the vaccination or having a decreased response of the vaccine depending on the dose and length of time you have been on Etoposide 50 mg Capsule. Do not discontinue any medications without a doctor's advice.
EtoposideIdelalisib
Severe
How does the drug interact with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 50 mg Capsule:
When Etoposide 50 mg Capsule is used with Idelalisib, Idelalisib may increase the blood levels and effects of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule with Idelalisib together can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.
EtoposideCladribine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 50 mg Capsule:
Taking Cladribine with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule can increase the risk of serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule with Cladribine together can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. However, if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, weight loss, or pain while urinating, make sure to contact the doctor right away. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.
EtoposideIvacaftor
Severe
How does the drug interact with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 50 mg Capsule:
When Fenofibrate is used in combination with Ivacaftor, the blood levels of Fenofibrate might be raised.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule with Ivacaftor together can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
EtoposideTeriflunomide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 50 mg Capsule:
When Etoposide 50 mg Capsule is used with Teriflunomide, the likelihood or severity of infection may increase.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule with Teriflunomide can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. However, if you develop fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscular pains, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or irritated skin, body sores, or discomfort or burning during urination, consult a doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without a doctor's advice.
EtoposideVoclosporin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 50 mg Capsule:
When Etoposide 50 mg Capsule is used with Voclosporin, the risk of severe infections, as well as certain cancers including skin cancer and cancer of the lymph glands (lymphoma), increases.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule and Voclosporin together can evidently cause an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has suggested it. However, If you experience a fever, chills, diarrhoea, sore throat, muscular pains, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or irritated skin, body sores, or discomfort or burning during urination, consult your doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
EtoposideThalidomide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 50 mg Capsule:
Taking thalidomide together with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule may increase the risk of blood clots and other complications.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking thalidomide and Etoposide 50 mg Capsule together can result in an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has prescribed it. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, sudden loss of vision, pain, redness or swelling in an arm or leg, and numbness or weakness on one side of the body. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
EtoposideNatalizumab
Severe
How does the drug interact with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 50 mg Capsule:
Taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule with natalizumab, especially taking both simultaneously with little to no time in between, may raise the risk of serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule and Natalizumab together can cause an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has suggested it. However, consult a doctor immediately, if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscular pains, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or irritated skin, body sores, or discomfort or burning during urination. progressive weakening on one side of your body, clumsiness of limbs, visual disturbance, disorientation, or changes in your thinking, memory, or personality. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
EtoposideAdalimumab
Severe
How does the drug interact with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 50 mg Capsule:
When Etoposide 50 mg Capsule is used with Adalimumab, the likelihood or severity of infection may increase.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule and Adalimumab together can cause an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has suggested it. However, if you develop fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscular pains, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or irritated skin, body sores, or discomfort or burning during urination, consult a doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without a doctor's advice.
EtoposideLeflunomide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule 50 mg Capsule:
When Etoposide 50 mg Capsule is used with Leflunomide, the likelihood or severity of infection may increase.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Leflunomide and Etoposide 50 mg Capsule, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by a doctor. However, if you develop fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscular pains, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or irritated skin, body sores, or discomfort or burning during urination, consult a doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without a doctor's advice.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: May increase the amount of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule in your body, which can lead to more severe side effects.
ETOPOSIDE-50MGGrapefruit and Grapefruit Juice
Moderate

Drug-Food Interactions

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ETOPOSIDE-50MGGrapefruit and Grapefruit Juice
Moderate
Common Foods to Avoid:
Grapefruit

How to manage the interaction:
Consumption of Grapefruit, grapefruit juice with Etoposide 50 mg Capsule, blocks metabolism, which might raise Etoposide 50 mg Capsule levels in the blood. Avoid the consumption of grapefruit juice while taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule.

All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[CHEMOTHERAPY]

FAQs

Some vaccines may be safe during treatment, but you should always check with your doctor first. Inactivated (non-live) vaccines, such as the injectable flu shot, may be recommended, whereas live vaccines should generally be avoided because Etoposide 50 mg Capsule weakens your immune system and increases the risk of infection. Also avoid close contact with people who have recently received certain live vaccines. Talk to your doctor before receiving any vaccination during or shortly after treatment.
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking Etoposide 50 mg Capsule. Alcohol can worsen stomach irritation, nausea, and dehydration, and it may put extra stress on your liver. Talk to your doctor before drinking any alcohol during your treatment.
Yes, temporary hair loss or thinning is a common side effect of Etoposide 50 mg Capsule. This happens because the medicine affects rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. Your hair will typically start to grow back after your treatment is completed. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about hair loss.
If you vomit shortly after taking your dose, do not take another capsule to replace it. Stick to your regular dosing schedule and contact your healthcare team immediately for further instructions. Talk to your doctor about anti-nausea medications that can prevent this from happening.
No, you must avoid pregnancy during treatment. Etoposide 50 mg Capsule can cause severe harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. Both men and women should use two reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for several months after stopping. Talk to your doctor to discuss safe family planning.
While the medicine is mostly cleared from your blood by your kidneys and liver within a few days, its effects on your bone marrow and immune system can last for several weeks. Your doctor will monitor your blood levels regularly. Talk to your doctor for more details about your specific treatment cycle.
You should avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without checking with your healthcare team first, as they can increase your risk of bleeding. Acetaminophen is generally safer, but you should still consult your provider. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter pain relievers.
Etoposide 50 mg Capsule capsules are sensitive to temperature and can break down or lose their effectiveness if kept at room temperature. Storing them between 2°C and 8°C ensures the medicine remains stable and safe to use. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about travelling with this medication.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Reference

  1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). Pil.10533 Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). Cheshire, UK: Datapharm; 2025. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  2. Drugs.com Clinical Review Team. Etoposide Clinical Drug Monograph. Auckland, NZ: Drugs.com; 2026. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  3. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. 2006. [Accessed on 18 Feb. 2020]Check here
  4. Gizem Reyhanoglu; Prasanna Tadi. Etoposide. StatPearls. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC. PubMed Central. July 2022. [Accessed on 6th November 2023]Check here
  5. Neon Healthcare Limited. ETOPOPHOS™ 100 mg Powder for Solution for Injection Etoposide (as phosphate). Electronics Medicines Compendium. [Revised in February 2022]. [Accessed on 6th November 2023]Check here
  6. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed on 27 Mar. 2019]Check here
  7. Etoposide Etoposide. 2023. [Accessed on 17 Apr. 2026]Check here

Country of origin

India
Other Info - ETO0615
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