Etoposide
About Etoposide
Etoposide 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 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, 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
Medicinal Benefits
Etoposide 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 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 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 allows eligible patients to receive chemotherapy at home as prescribed by their healthcare provider, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits for intravenous treatments.
Directions for Use
- Take Etoposide 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.
Storage
Side Effects of Etoposide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upset stomach, nausea, or throwing up
- Temporary hair thinning or hair loss
- Loss of appetite and changes in taste
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of infection, such as a fever, chills, or sore throat
- Unusual bruising, pinpoint red spots on your skin, or bleeding from the nose or gums
- Severe dizziness, pale skin, or extreme shortness of breath
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug 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 Interactions
- 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 in your body, potentially making your treatment less effective.
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
- 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.
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
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 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. 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. 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 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 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.
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