Etoposide

  • Brand Name : Etopophos
  • Drug Class : Antineoplastics Podophyllotoxin Derivatives
  • Medical Author : Divya Jacob, Pharm. D.
  • Medical Reviewer : Sarfaroj Khan, BHMS, PGD Health Operations
  • _eael_post_view_count : 12

What Is Etoposide and How Does It Work?

Etoposide is a prescription medication used for the treatment of testicular cancer and small-cell lung cancer.

What Are Dosages of Etoposide?

Adult and pediatric dosage

Capsule

  • 50mg

Injectable solution

  • 20mg/mL

Powder for injection

  • 100mg

Testicular Cancer

Adult dosage

  • 50-100 mg/m²/day IV on days 1-5, OR  
  • 100 mg/m²/day IV on days 1, 3, 5
  • Repeat every 3-4 weeks

Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Adult dosage

  • 35 mg/m²/day IV for 4 days, OR  
  • 50 mg/m²/day IV for 5 days; repeat every 3-4 weeks

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

  • See “Dosages”

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Etoposide?

Common side effects of Etoposide include:

  • nausea, 
  • vomiting,
  • constipation,
  • fever
  • trouble swallowing, or
  • unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Serious side effects of Etoposide include:

  • sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack;
  • easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under the skin;
  • vision problems;
  • seizure (convulsions);
  • liver problems–loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • low red blood cells (anemia)–pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
  • low white blood cell counts–fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.

Rare side effects of Etoposide include:

  • none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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