
Etoposide is used to treat the following conditions:
-Small Cell Lung Cancer
-Testicular Cancer
-Ovarian Cancer
Dose and Schedule
Taking Etoposide as instructed is important to ensure your treatment is as effective as possible. Here are some key points to remember:
- Your dose may vary based on factors such as your height, weight, overall health, and diagnosis.
- Etoposide can be taken with or without food. Choose one option (either with or without food) and take it at the same time each day.
- Etoposide should be taken whole and must not be crushed, cut, or dissolved. If you are unable to swallow the tablet, please speak to your doctor for possible alternatives.
- If you miss a dose of Etoposide:
- Do not take an extra dose or two doses at one time. Simply take your next dose at the scheduled time.
- Write down any missed doses and inform your doctor during your next visit.
Drug and Food Interactions
- Etoposide has many potential drug interactions. Inform your doctor of all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking new medications, supplements, or receiving any vaccines.
Storage and Handling
- Handle Etoposide with care, as it can be toxic, much like chemotherapy drugs given intravenously. Limit exposure of the drug to others.
- Store Etoposide in the refrigerator.
- Keep Etoposide out of reach of children and pets.
- Leave Etoposide in its provided packaging until it is time to take it.
- Whenever possible, administer Etoposide to yourself.
- If a family member, friend, or caregiver needs to administer Etoposide, they should wear gloves when handling the tablets.
- Administer the medicine immediately by mouth with water.
- Please do not dispose of unused Etoposide in the trash or flush it down the toilet. Return any unused medication to your practice for proper disposal.
- If travelling, store Etoposide’s packaging in a sealed plastic bag. Ask your pharmacist if any additional travel precautions are needed.
Side Effects of Etoposide
Common side effects that have been observed in about a third of patients taking Etoposide include the following. Please note that you may not experience all of these side effects.
Decreased white blood cells (WBCs) and increased risk of infection | A blood test will be performed before starting a new cycle of Etoposide to monitor your white blood cells, haemoglobin, platelet count, and kidney function. |
Decreased haemoglobin (the part of red blood cells that carries iron and oxygen) | |
Decreased platelet count and increased risk of bleeding | Take precautions to protect yourself from infection: – Wash your hands often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. – Avoid crowds and individuals with fevers, flu, or infections. – Maintain good personal hygiene by bathing regularly. Contact our unit if you experience any signs or symptoms of infection: – Fever (temperature > 38°C) – Chills – Sore throat – Painful urination – Unusual tiredness – A sore that is red, draining, or not healing. |
Fatigue | – Try to get 7–8 hours of sleep per night. – Balance work and rest. – Stay active but rest as needed. – You may notice paleness. Let us know right away if you experience: – Shortness of breath – Chest discomfort – Dizziness – Palpitations |
Bruising or bleeding more easily | – Use caution to avoid cuts, bruises, or burns. – Blow your nose gently and do not pick it. – Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush. – Shave using an electric razor. Contact us if bleeding persists, such as: – A nosebleed lasting over 5 minutes despite pressure – A cut that keeps oozing despite pressure – Gums bleeding excessively when brushing or flossing – Red or brown-coloured urine. Seek emergency care if you experience severe headaches, blood in your urine or stool, coughing up blood, or prolonged, uncontrollable bleeding. |
Nausea or vomiting | – Eat and drink slowly. – Drink 8–10 glasses of water or fluids per day, unless your doctor has advised otherwise. – Eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals. – Eat bland foods and avoid spicy, fried, or greasy foods. – Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating. – Do not lie down right after eating. – Avoid strong odours. |
Hair loss | – Your hair will grow back once treatment is finished. – You may choose to wear scarves, caps, or wigs. – A short haircut before starting treatment may help manage hair loss stress. |
Handling Body Fluids and Waste
Because Etoposide remains in your body for several days after it is taken, some of the drug may be present in your urine, stool, sweat, or vomit. It is important to follow the instructions below every day during your treatment to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the environment.
- Pregnant women should avoid touching anything soiled with body fluids from the patient.
- You can use the same toilet, septic tank, and/or sewer as usual. Always close the lid and flush twice to ensure all waste is discarded.
- If the toilet or seat becomes soiled, clean the surfaces before others use it.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet.
- If a bedpan is needed, ensure your caregiver wears gloves to assist with clean-up and washes the bedpan with soap and water daily.
- If you lack control over bladder or bowels, use a disposable pad, a diaper, or a sheet to absorb body waste.
- Wash any skin that has been exposed to body waste or Etoposide with soap and water.
- Wash soiled linens and clothing separately from other laundry.
- Wash hands with soap and water after touching soiled linens or clothing.
Pregnancy, Sexual Activity, and Contraception
- Women should avoid becoming pregnant, and men should avoid getting a partner pregnant while taking Etoposide.
- Both men and women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after the last dose of Etoposide.
- Do not breastfeed while taking Etoposide and for 1 month after the last dose.
- If you become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Compiled by : Karin Mouton
Registered Oncology Nurse