Class: Chemotherapy

Generic Name: Etoposide (e-TOE-poe-side), etoposide phosphate, VP-16
Trade Name: VePesid®, Toposar®, Etopophos®

For which conditions is this drug approved? Etoposide is approved by the FDA in combination with other chemotherapy agents for treatment of:

• Testicular cancer that has stopped responding to standard therapies and has already been treated with appropriate surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
• Initial treatment of small cell lung cancer

It is important for patients to remember that physicians have the ability to prescribe medication for conditions other than those for which the drug has been approved by the FDA. Patients who have received a prescription of this drug for a condition other than which it is approved may wish to discuss this issue with their physician.

What is the mechanism of action? Etoposide belongs to a class of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. Etoposide produces its anti-cancer effects by interfering with the normal action of an enzyme called topoisomerase II. Topoisomerase enzymes are involved in the control of the synethesis of DNA. Interference with topoisomerase II by etoposide inhibits proper DNA synthesis, causing cellular death.

How is etoposide typically given (administered)? Etoposide may be given orally or intravenously (into a vein). The route in which etoposide is administered, as well as the dose and scheduling depends upon many factors, including the condition being treated, the size of the patient, the particular regimen being used and the overall health of the patient.

Patients may experience a reaction during the administration with etoposide. Although patients will be closely monitored for this reaction, they should tell their healthcare provider immediately if they experience difficulty breathing, fever, a rapid heart rate, back pain, cough, swelling of tongue or facial features, tightness of throat, sweating or chills during the administration of etoposide. Low blood pressure may also occur.

How are patients typically monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with etoposide.  Typically, blood will be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems, such as the kidneys or liver.  Patients may also undergo physical examinations, scans or other measures to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the common (occur in 30% or more of patients) side effects of treatment with etoposide?

• Low levels of white blood cells-increases risk of infection
• Low levels of red blood cells-increases risk of anemia
• Low levels of platelets-increases risk of bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss

What are the less common (occur in 10% to 29% of patients) side effects of treatment with etoposide?

• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Cessation of menstruation in women

This is not a complete list of side effects. Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed here. Patients may wish to discuss with their physician the other less common side effects of this drug, some of which may be serious.

Some side effects may require medical attention. Other side effects do not require medical attention and may go away during treatment. Patients should check with their physician about any side effects that continue or are bothersome.

What are the possible late side effects of treatment with etoposide?
Patients treated with etoposide are at a slightly increased risk of developing a secondary malignancy from treatment.  A secondary malignancy is a new and unrelated cancer that occurs in an individual as a result of previous treatment with radiation or chemotherapy.  Patients should ask their physician about the possibility of developing a secondary malignancy as a result of their treatment.

What can patients do to help alleviate or prevent discomfort and side effects?

• Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions and inform the physician of any side effects.
• Maintain adequate rest and nutrition.
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing and try to minimize sun exposure.
• Drink plenty of fluids. (Patients should ask their physician about the amount of liquid to consume during a day.)
• If possible, avoid large crowds or people who are sick or not feeling well, as this drug may leave some patients susceptible to infection.
• Wash hands often to reduce the risk of infection.
• Eat small meals frequently to help alleviate nausea.
• If patients have been prescribed an anti-nausea medication, they should be sure to take the prescribed doses.
• Avoid activities that may cause injury or bruising.
• Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor to prevent cuts on the mouth or skin.
• For mouth sores, patients should rinse their mouth three times a day with a salt and soda solution (8 ounces of water mixed with ½ to 1 tsp baking soda and/or ½ to 1 tsp salt) and brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush to help prevent the development of mouth sores.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

• Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a family in the near future. This drug may cause birth defects. It is important to use some kind of birth control while undergoing treatment. Also, patients may want to talk to their physician if they are considering having children in the future, since some drugs may cause fertility problems.
• It is important that patients inform their physician of any pre-existing conditions (chicken pox, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, etc.) as they may worsen with this drug.
• Patients should inform their physician of any other medication they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter, including vitamins, herbs, etc.) as they may interfere with treatment.
• Patients should check with their physician before starting any new drug or nutritional supplement.
• Patients should inform their physician of any known drug or food allergies or any reactions to medications they have experienced in the past.

When should patients notify their physician?

• Persistent or extreme nausea and vomiting
• Persistent or extreme diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Signs of reaction (lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, cough, rash, back pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or facial features, tightness of throat, chills or fever)
• Numbness or tingling of hands or feet
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Swelling, pain or redness in only one extremity
• Redness, swelling or pain at the site of administration
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, flu or cold-like symptoms
• Signs of infection – redness, swelling, pus, tenderness
• Persistent or severe fatigue
• Unexplained or excessive bleeding (nosebleeds, bruising, black tarry stools, blood in the urine, etc.)
• Extreme weight loss

What is a package insert? A package insert is required by the FDA and contains a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug for healthcare providers and consumers.  A package insert typically includes information regarding specific indications, administration schedules, dosing, side effects, contraindications, results from some clinical trials, chemical structure, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the specific drug. By carefully reviewing the package insert, you will get the most complete and current information about how to safely use this drug. If you do not have the package insert for the drug you are using, your pharmacist or physician may be able to provide you with a copy.

Copyright © 2010 CancerConnect Last updated 07/10.

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