Etoposide

Details of the Drug

Generic Name:: Etoposide
Pronunciation:: e-toh-POH-side
Drug Type:: DNA-repair enzyme inhibitor
How the Drug is Given:: By mouth or intravenously (IV)
Names:: Etopophos®; Toposar®; VePesid®; VP-16; Etoposide

Indications and Usage

Etoposide is used to treat people who have certain types of blood cancer including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is FDA approved for some types of lung and testicular cancer. This medicine often causes a temporary loss of hair. After treatment with etoposide has ended, normal hair growth should return.

Side effects needing medical attention

Fever; chills; sore throat; sores in mouth or on lips; unusual bleeding or bruising; difficulty walking; numbness or tingling in fingers and toes; pain at the site of injection; rapid heartbeat; shortness of breath or wheezing; weakness; black or tarry stools; blood in urine or stool; back, lower back or side pain; pinhead-sized red spots on skin or rash; itching; sweating; swelling of face or tongue; tightness in throat; loss of appetite; hair loss; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; unusual tiredness.

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