Etoposide
| Generic name | Etoposide |
| Pronunciation | e-toh-POH-side |
| Brand name(s), other common name(s) | Etopophos®, Toposar®, VePesid®, VP-16 |
| Drug type | DNA-repair enzyme inhibitor |
| How the drug is given | By mouth or intravenously (IV) |
Etoposide is used to treat people who have certain types of blood cancer including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is FDA approved for some types of lung and testicular cancer. This medicine often causes a temporary loss of hair. After treatment with etoposide has ended, normal hair growth should return.
Side effects needing medical attention:
Fever; chills; sore throat; sores in mouth or on lips; unusual bleeding or bruising; difficulty walking; numbness or tingling in fingers and toes; pain at the site of injection; rapid heartbeat; shortness of breath or wheezing; weakness; black or tarry stools; blood in urine or stool; back, lower back or side pain; pinhead-sized red spots on skin or rash; itching; sweating; swelling of face or tongue; tightness in throat; loss of appetite; hair loss; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; unusual tiredness.
For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Matters and Prescription Drug Coverage, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.
