Etoposide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 8, 2021.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Etopophos
• Vepesid

In Canada

• Dom-Etoposide
• Eposin
• Etoposide
• Pms-Etoposide

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution
• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Mitotic Inhibitor

Uses for etoposide

Etoposide injection (also known as VP-16) is used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat cancer of the testicles and small cell lung cancer. It is also sometimes used to treat some other kinds of cancer in both males and females.

Etoposide belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastic agents. The exact way that etoposide acts against cancer is not known. However, it seems to interfere with the growth of the cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by etoposide, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.

Before you begin treatment with etoposide, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits of etoposide as well as the risks of using it.

Etoposide is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Before using etoposide

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For etoposide, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to etoposide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the re..