Etoposide (VP-16, VePesid")
(e-toe-POE-side)
Definition | How to take | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Dosage | Contact us
What is etoposide?
Etoposide (VP-16) is a medicine used to treat certain types of cancer (examples include: leukemias, Hodgkin's disease, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilm's tumor, and brain tumors).
Back to top
How to take this medication
Etoposide most frequently is given by IV infusion in the hospital. Capsules are available and are infrequently utilized.
Special Instructions
- This medication is usually given in the hospital.
- A nurse will be monitoring your blood pressure during the infusion of this medication.
- If capsules are being utilized, they must be kept refrigerated.
- Use precaution when changing your child's diapers or solid linens for 48 hours after a dose - use gloves during this time to avoid contact with the medication.
- If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
Back to top
If a dose is missed
If taking oral capsules, notify your physician immediately if a dose is missed. Never double the dose to try to catch up. For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
Back to top
Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of hair
- Skin rash
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Decreased ability to fight infections
- Allergic reactions
- Sunburn-like skin irritation or rash may occur on areas that were previously treated with radiation therapy (radiation recall).
Back to top
Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
- Dizziness
- Facial flushing
- Difficulty breathing
Back to top
Dosage forms available
Injectable
Capsules: 50 mg
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Back to top
PEP 5029 9/00;
Rev. 9/05, 5/07, 9/07
