ETOPOSIDE

Drug Name: ETOPOSIDE

ETOPOSIDE DESCRIPTION:
ETOPOSIDE - INJECTION (ee-TOE-poe-side)

COMMON ETOPOSIDE BRAND NAME(S):
Toposar, Vepesid

ETOPOSIDE SIDE EFFECTS:
ETOPOSIDE causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, reversible hair loss, itching, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and skin rash. Notify your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following while taking ETOPOSIDE: fever, chills, sore throat, rapid heartbeat, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe stomach ache, muscle pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ETOPOSIDE:
ETOPOSIDE: ETOPOSIDE is given as an injection into a vein (IV) usually over a 30 to 60 minute period. Your dosage depends on your medical condition and response to therapy.

ETOPOSIDE WARNING:
ETOPOSIDE 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 medication.

ETOPOSIDE USES:
ETOPOSIDE is an anticancer drug. It is often used in combination with other medications for the treatment of certain tumors and cancers.

ETOPOSIDE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: infections, herpes, chickenpox (or exposure to it), blood disorders, liver problems, kidney problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Do not get vaccinated without your doctor's approval and avoid people who have recently been vaccinated. Because ETOPOSIDE can affect the production of sperm in men, a reliable form of birth control is recommended. Etoposide is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor about pregnancy before using ETOPOSIDE. ETOPOSIDE is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, it is recommended you not breast-feed while using ETOPOSIDE.

ETOPOSIDE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medications you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of: cyclosporine, vaccines, other cancer medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

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

ETOPOSIDE NOTES:
ETOPOSIDE must be taken under close medical supervision. Understand the risks and benefits of this therapy. ETOPOSIDE affects your blood cells. It is important to have your blood checked frequently while taking ETOPOSIDE to see if changes in the dose are necessary.

MISSED ETOPOSIDE DOSE:
For optimal benefits, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of ETOPOSIDE as directed. Do not use missed dose at all and do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Resume your usual dosing schedule and check with your doctor.

ETOPOSIDE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.