Teva-Etoposide injection
This product is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries using the ingredient etoposide.
This product is taken via intravenous injection.
Why is it prescribed?
Etoposide is a first-line treatment option for small cell lung cancer when used in combination with another established antineoplastic agent.
Etoposide may be used second-line alone or in combination to treat small cell lung cancer that has not responded on other chemotherapeutic agents.
In the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, etoposide has shown to be effective alone or in combination with cisplatin.
Etoposide Injection USP is effective at treating both small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. While you are being treated with etoposide, your doctor will check your blood work regularly.
Etoposide Injection, like other chemotherapeutic agents, can cause significant nausea and vomiting. Your healthcare team will provide you with information and medication to reduce nausea.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.
In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely.
Get plenty of rest. Maintain good nutrition.
Alternatives
Other products that have the same ingredient as Teva-Etoposide injection are •Vepesid® capsules •
See other products used in the treatment of •non-small cell lung cancer •small cell lung cancer •
Dosage: 50-100mg/m2/day for 5 days or as directed by physician.
Etoposide is a medication that treats various forms of cancer. Etoposide is a topoisomerase 2 inhibitor. The exact way that etoposide works is uncertain. It is known to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells by interrupting their DNA synthesis.
Along with its therapeutic benefit, etoposide can cause the following side effects:
- hair loss
- shivering
- diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- weakness and fatigue
- low white blood cell count
- low platelet count
- inflammation at injection site
- metallic taste
- poor appetite
- mouth sores
Etoposide is a toxic chemotherapeutic drug with significant risk of adverse effects. It should only be used in settings where patient response can be monitored and staff have experience in using cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Before starting etoposide treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.). Do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor's approval while taking etoposide.
Etoposide can cause an anaphylactic reaction in some patients. Signs of an anaphylactic reaction such as chills, fever, rapid heart beat, shortness of breath and low blood pressure, will be monitored.
Etoposide should not be used by pregnant women. Do not breastfeed if on this medication.
Liver and kidney function should be monitored during therapy.