Teniposide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 1, 2025.

Applies to teniposide: intravenous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

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 side effects

• 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
• flushing of face
• sores in mouth or on lips
• unusually fast heartbeat
• unusual tiredness

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking teniposide:

Less common side effects

• skin rash

Rare side effects

• 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 side effects

• diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting

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 adverse events

• 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]

Further information

Teniposide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer