What is Vepesid/Etoposide used for?

This medicine is used for the certain types of lung cancer, lymphoma (cancer of the lymph cells), and cancers of the testicles.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Vepesid/Etoposide be stored?

Store at room temperature in a cool dry place, protect from heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

General drug information:

When should Vepesid/Etoposide not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications.

What precautions should I follow when taking Vepesid/Etoposide?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition like heart disease, lung disease, impairment of kidney or liver functions.

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Vepesid/Etoposide?

This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach. It is very important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This medicine often causes nausea and vomiting, but it is very important that you continue to take the medicine, even if you begin to feel ill.

What are the side effects of Vepesid/Etoposide?

Most severe: Fast heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, sweating, swelling of face or tongue, tightness in throat, back pain, wheezing

Most common: Appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, temporary loss of hair, diarrhea, unusual tiredness, weakness, black or tarry stools or blood in urine, fever, chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination, sores in mouth or on lips, unusual bleeding or bruising

Other: Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes, pain at site of injection, skin rash or itching, redness of the palms of hands or soles of feet

How should I take Vepesid/Etoposide?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. This medicine can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.