Toposar injection

Etoposide is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Etoposide is used to treat cancer of the lung or testicles. It is usually given with other cancer medicines in a combination chemotherapy.

Etoposide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use etoposide if you are allergic to it.

To make sure etoposide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.

Using etoposide may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.

Using etoposide during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while you are receiving this medicine

It is not known whether etoposide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using etoposide.

Etoposide is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Etoposide is usually given as part of a 4-day or 5-day treatment cycle every 3 or 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Etoposide can be harmful if it gets on your skin. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water.

Etoposide can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with etoposide, especially:

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or

• seizure medicine--carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with etoposide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Applies to etoposide: oral capsule, oral capsule liquid filled

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous powder for solution, intravenous solution

Along with its needed effects, etoposide (the active ingredient contained in Toposar) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking etoposide:

• Black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• fever
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen glands
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

• Blurred vision
• confusion
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast heartbeat
• feeling of warmth
• headache
• hives
• itching
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes
• pounding in the ears
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• skin rash
• slow or fast heartbeat
• sweating
• tightness in the chest
• wheezing

• Bone pain

• Abdominal or stomach pain, severe
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• cough or hoarseness
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• difficult breathing
• drowsiness
• joint or muscle pain
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle tremors
• nausea or vomiting
• rapid, deep breathing
• red, irritated eyes
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• restlessness
• seizures
• stomach cramps
• yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects of etoposide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Hair loss or thinning of the hair
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth
• weight loss

• Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• change in taste
• constipation
• cracked lips
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• heartburn
• lack or loss of strength
• pain or burning in the throat
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness