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Etoposide - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Etoposide

Generic Name : Etoposide
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Etoposide are provided here.

Pronunciation : e toe poe' side

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Etoposide, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Trade Names/Brand Names of Etoposide

India :

International :


Etopophos, Toposar, VePesid.

Why is Etoposide Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an anti-cancer agent, prescribed for lung cancer and testicular cancer.  It slows or stops the growth of cancer cells.

When should Etoposide not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Etoposide?

Testicular cancer- Adult: IV- The recommended dose is 50-100 mg/m2/day from days 1-5.
Small cell lung cancer- The recommended dose is 35 mg/m2/day for 4 days to 50 mg/m2/day for 5 days. May repeat course 3-4 weekly.

How should Etoposide be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein on an empty stomach.

What are the warnings and precautions for Etoposide?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of kidney disease, bone marrow depression, infections, or blood disorder, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• It may decrease platelet counts that leads to bleeding; avoid injury or bruising.

• Monitor complete blood counts regularly while taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Etoposide?

Blood - Decrease in blood counts.
Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, tongue inflammation, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea and taste alteration.
Miscellaneous - Weakness, hair loss, chills, fever and dizziness and vein inflammation.

What are the other precautions for Etoposide?

Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Etoposide?

Store it in refrigerator (2-8°C), do not freeze.

Schedule : H
Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
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