Vumon (Teniposide) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Vumon

Leukemia »

Leukemia facts

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells.
While the exact cause(s) of leukemia is not known, risk factors have been identified.
Leukemias are grouped by how quickly the disease develops (acute or chronic) as well as by the type of blood cell that is affected (lymphocytes or myelocytes). The four main types of leukemia include acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).
People with leukemia are at significantly increased risk for developing infections, anemia, and bleeding. Other symptoms and signs include easy bruising, weight loss, night sweats, and unexplained fevers.
The diagnosis of leukemia is supported by findings of the medical history and examination, and examining blood and bone marrow samples under a microscope.
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Vumon

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VUMON®
(teniposide) Injection

WARNING

VUMON (teniposide injection) is a cytotoxic drug which should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Appropriate management of therapy and complications is possible only when adequate treatment facilities are readily available.

Severe myelosuppression with resulting infection or bleeding may occur. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis-like symptoms, may occur with initial dosing or at repeated exposure to VUMON. Epinephrine, with or without corticosteroids and antihistamines, has been employed to alleviate hypersensitivity reaction symptoms.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

VUMON® (teniposide injection) (also commonly known as VM-26), is supplied as a sterile nonpyrogenic solution in a nonaqueous medium intended for dilution with a suitable parenteral vehicle prior to intravenous infusion. VUMON is available in 50 mg (5 mL) ampules. Each mL contains 10 mg teniposide, 30 mg benzyl alcohol, 60 mg N,N-dimethylacetamide, 500 mg purified Cremophor® EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil)*, and 42.7% (v/v) dehydrated alcohol. The pH of the clear solution is adjusted to approximately 5 with maleic acid.

Teniposide is a semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin. The chemical name for teniposide is 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin 9-[4,6-O-(R)-2-thenylidene-β-D-glucopyranoside]. Teniposide differs from etoposide, another podophyllotoxin derivative, by the substitution of a thenylidene group on the glucopyranoside ring.

Teniposide has the following structural formula:

VUMON® (teniposide) Structural Formula Illustration

Teniposide is a white to off-white crystalline powder with the empirical formula C₃₂H₃₂O₁₃S and a molecular weight of 656.66. It is a lipophilic compound with a partition coefficient value (octanol/water) of approximately 100. Teniposide is insoluble in water and ether. It is slightly soluble in methanol and very soluble in acetone and dimethylformamide.

*Cremophor® EL is the registered trademark of BASF Aktiengesellschaft.
Cremophor® EL is further purified by a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company proprietary process before use.

What are the possible side effects of teniposide (Vumon)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from teniposide, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Vumon »

What are the precautions when taking teniposide (Vumon)?

Before using teniposide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as polyoxyethylated castor oil), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: current infections, certain virus illnesses (herpes, chickenpox), liver problems, kidney problems, blood disorders (e.g., anemia, clotting problems), Down syndrome, low blood proteins (hypoalbuminemia).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Do not have...

Read All Potential Precautions of Vumon »

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/7/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.