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May 27, 2012

Vepesid

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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VePesid

Breast Cancer Slideshow Pictures

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VePesid Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: VePesid

Generic Name: etoposide (oral) (Pronunciation: ee TOW poh side)

What is etoposide (VePesid)?

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

Etoposide is used to treat cancer of the lung or testicles.

Etoposide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Etoposide 50 mg-MYL

red, imprinted with E50

What are the possible side effects of etoposide (VePesid)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
fast heart rate;
severe nausea and vomiting;
feeling light-headed, fainting; or
low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
mild itching or skin rash; or
temporary hair loss.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about etoposide (VePesid)?

Do not use this medication without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Do not break or open an etoposide capsule. The medicine from a broken capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water or rinse the eyes thoroughly with plain water. If you must handle a broken capsule, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely dispose of the capsule.

Etoposide 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.

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

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