Generic name: Etoposide Capsules [ e-toe-POE-side ]
Brand name: VePesid
Drug class: Mitotic inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 26, 2024.

Uses of Etoposide Capsules:

• It is used to treat lung cancer.
• It is used to treat testicular cancer.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Etoposide Capsules?

• If you have an allergy to etoposide or any other part of this medicine (etoposide capsules).
• If you are allergic to this medicine (etoposide capsules); any part of this medicine (etoposide capsules); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (etoposide capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Etoposide Capsules?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (etoposide capsules). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
• Other types of cancer may rarely happen later in life.
• You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• If you have upset stomach, throwing up, diarrhea, or are not hungry, talk with your doctor. There may be ways to lower these side effects.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with this medicine (etoposide capsules) may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (etoposide capsules) with care. You could have more side effects.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine (etoposide capsules).
• If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking this medicine (etoposide capsules), call your doctor right away.

How is this medicine (Etoposide Capsules) best taken?

Use this medicine (etoposide capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Keep taking this medicine (etoposide capsules) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• You will need to take special care when handling this medicine (etoposide capsules). Check with the doctor or pharmacist to see how to handle this medicine (etoposide capsules).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

Carvykti, Abecma, Tecvayli, methotrexate, Keytruda, pembrolizumab, fluorouracil, cisplatin, carboplatin, Avastin

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Shortness of breath.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Flushing.
• Sweating a lot.
• Blue or gray skin color.
• Back pain.

What are some other side effects of Etoposide Capsules?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling tired or weak.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Not hungry.
• Diarrhea.
• Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
• Hair loss.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Etoposide Capsules?

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (etoposide capsules), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer