Chemical Name: ETOPOSIDE


Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects.

Common uses

This medicine is an antineoplastic used to treat certain types of cancer.

Before using

WARNING: This medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections (due to bone marrow suppression). Immediately notify your doctor if you develop symptoms of an infection (persistent sore throat, fever); easy bruising or bleeding, or unusual fatigue. Your doctor will closely monitor you while you are using this medicine. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking cyclosporine or warfarin. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. IF NAUSEA, VOMITING, OR LOSS OF APPETITE OCCURS, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects. STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed on the prescription label. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are being treated with this medicine. THIS MEDICINE LOWERS YOUR RESISTANCE to infection. To prevent infection, avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or hair loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience unusual bruising or bleeding, fever or chills, cough or sore throat, sores on the mouth or lips, or tingling of the fingers or toes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.