VePesid

This page contains drug information on VePesid.
The information provided includes the following:
what is VePesid
the possible side effects of VePesid
what happens if you miss a dose of VePesid
what happens if you overdose with VePesid
the most important information about VePesid
how to use VePesid
other drugs that may affect VePesid
what to avoid while using VePesid
 
Generic Name: etoposide (oral/ injection) (ee TOW poh side)
Brand Names: Etopophos, Toposar, VePesid
 
What is the most important information I should know about vepesid?
 •  vepesid should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  Serious side effects have been reported with the use of vepesid including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives) decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue easy bruising or bleeding black, bloody or tarry stools fever or chills or signs of infection) and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with vepesid.

What is vepesid?
 •  vepesid is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. vepesid interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
 •  vepesid is used in the treatment of cancers of the lung and testicles.
 •  vepesid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vepesid?
 •  Do not use vepesid without first talking to your doctor if you have
      · low albumin levels in the blood
      · kidney disease or
      · poor bone marrow function.
 •  The use of vepesid may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  vepesid is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that vepesid is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use vepesid without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with vepesid if either you or your partner is of childbearing potential.
 •  It is not known whether vepesid passes into breast milk. Do not take vepesid without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I use vepesid?
 •  vepesid should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  vepesid is available in oral and injectable formulations.
 •  Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with vepesid depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Your doctor will determine if it is best for you to take vepesid by injection or by oral capsules. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
 •  Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with vepesid to monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Skin accidentally exposed to vepesid should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.
 •  Your healthcare provider will store vepesid as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing vepesid at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of vepesid.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  If for any reason an overdose of vepesid is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
 •  Symptoms of a vepesid overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while using vepesid?
 •  vepesid can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with vepesid. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.
 •  Skin accidentally exposed to vepesid should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

What are the possible side effects of vepesid?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects from vepesid, contact your doctor immediately:
      · an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue easy bruising or bleeding black, bloody or tarry stools or fever, chills, or signs of infection)
      · tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration or
      · dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking vepesid and talk to your doctor if you experience:
      · nausea or vomiting
      · mouth or lip sores
      · rash, itching, or hives or
      · temporary hair loss.
 •  Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with vepesid.

What other drugs will affect vepesid?
 •  Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with vepesid. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with vepesid.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with vepesid. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with vepesid.