For treating cancer.
Generic Name: Etoposide
Instructions
Take the medicine with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not eat or drink for 1 hour after taking the medicine.
Keep the medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Keep the medicine away from heat and light.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on this medicine.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you miss 2 or more doses in a row, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Avoid touching any powder from an open or broken capsule. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
This medicine has been associated with a rare but serious skin rash. If you notice any red, peeling or blistered skin, contact your doctor immediately.
This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.
There is an increased risk of bleeding while on this medicine, please tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any excessive bleeding or bruising.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. This medicine can pass through breast milk to the baby.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any swelling of your hands, face, lips, eyes, throat or tongue.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- lack of energy and tiredness
- hair loss
- mouth sores or irritation
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- changes in taste or unpleasant taste
- weakness
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- bleeding or bruising
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- cough that does not go away
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- fever or chills
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- fast or irregular heart beats
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- red, burning, or itchy skin
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- stomach pain
- bloody or dark, tarry stools
- symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
- difficulty swallowing
- blood in urine
- blurring or changes of vision
- severe or persistent vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about ETOPOSIDE - ORAL
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.