Etopophos (Etoposide Phosphate) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Etopophos

Cancer »

What is cancer?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

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Etopophos

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Etopophos Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using etoposide phosphate (Etopophos)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to etoposide.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

kidney disease; or
a weak immune system (from disease or from taking certain medicines).

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not receive etoposide phosphate without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether etoposide phosphate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

How is etoposide phosphate given (Etopophos)?

Etoposide phosphate is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine is sometimes given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 3-1/2 hours to complete.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when the medicine is injected.

Etoposide phosphate is usually given for 4 or 5 days in a row every 3 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Etoposide phosphate can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Etoposide phosphate is used together with other cancer medications. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications.

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