Teniposide Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 21, 2023.
Applies to teniposide: intravenous solution.
Warning
Intravenous route (Solution)
Teniposide should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in prescribing chemotherapy. Severe myelosuppression, resulting in infection or bleeding, may occur with teniposide. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis-like symptoms, may occur with initial dosing or with repeated exposure to teniposide. Epinephrine, with or without corticosteroids and antihistamines, has been used to treat hypersensitivity reactions.
Serious side effects of Teniposide
Along with its needed effects, teniposide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking teniposide:
More common
- Black, tarry stools
- blood in urine or stools
- chills
- cough or hoarseness
- fever
- hives
- lower back or side pain
- painful or difficult urination
- pinpoint red spots on skin
- shortness of breath
- tightness in chest or wheezing
- troubled breathing
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking teniposide:
More common
- Flushing of face
- sores in mouth or on lips
- unusually fast heartbeat
- unusual tiredness
Less common
- Skin rash
Rare
- Decreased urination
- swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
- yellow eyes or skin
Other side effects of Teniposide
Some side effects of teniposide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
This medicine often causes a temporary loss of hair. After treatment with teniposide has ended, normal hair growth should return.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to teniposide: intravenous solution.
Hematologic
Very common (10% or more): Neutropenia (less than 2000 ANC/mcL) (95%), leukopenia (less than 3000 WBC/mcL) (89%), anemia (88%), thrombocytopenia (less than 100,000 plt/mcL) (85%), myelosuppression (75%)
Common (1% to 10%): Bleeding[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., chills, fever, tachycardia, flushing, bronchospasm, dyspnea, rash, hypertension, hypotension)[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension[Ref]
Immunologic
Very common (10% or more): Infection (12%)[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Mucositis (76%), diarrhea (33%), nausea/vomiting (29%)
Common (1% to 10%): Alopecia, rash[Ref]
Nervous system
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Neurotoxicity
Frequency not reported: Headache, asthenia[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Fever[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Confusion[Ref]
Hepatic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatic dysfunction[Ref]
Renal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Renal dysfunction[Ref]
More about teniposide
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: mitotic inhibitors
Patient resources
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Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Teniposide (teniposide). WG Critical Care. 2019.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
