Etopophos

Generic name: etoposide phosphate [ e-TOE-poe-side-FOS-fate ]
Drug class: Mitotic inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 25, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Etopophos?

Etopophos is used to treat cancer of the lung or testicles.

Etopophos may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Etopophos side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Etopophos may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given;

• severe nausea and vomiting;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin; or

• low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.

Common side effects of Etopophos may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• constipation;

• fever;

• trouble swallowing; or

• unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Etopophos can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, mouth sores, sore throat, trouble breathing).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to etoposide.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease; or

• if you use a blood thinner (such as warfarin) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Using Etopophos may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.

Etoposide can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using Etopophos.

• If you are a woman, do not use etoposide if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 4 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using etoposide.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because etoposide can harm an unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed while using etoposide.

How is Etopophos given?

Etoposide is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

For testicular cancer: Etopophos is usually given during the first 5 days of a 21-day or 28-day treatment cycle.

For lung cancer: Etopophos is usually given for 4 or 5 days in a row.

Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when Etopophos is injected.

Etoposide can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Etopophos.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Etopophos?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Etopophos, or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

What other drugs will affect Etopophos?

Other drugs may affect etoposide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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