| Generic name | Etoposide |
| Pronunciation | e-toh-POH-side |
| Brand name(s), other common name(s) | Etopophos®, Toposar®, VePesid®, VP-16 |
| Drug type | DNA-repair enzyme inhibitor |
| How the drug is given | By mouth or intravenously (IV) |
Indications and Usage
Etoposide is used to treat people who have certain types of blood cancer including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is FDA approved for some types of lung and testicular cancer. This medicine often causes a temporary loss of hair. After treatment with etoposide has ended, normal hair growth should return.
Side effects needing medical attention
Fever; chills; sore throat; sores in mouth or on lips; unusual bleeding or bruising; difficulty walking; numbness or tingling in fingers and toes; pain at the site of injection; rapid heartbeat; shortness of breath or wheezing; weakness; black or tarry stools; blood in urine or stool; back, lower back or side pain; pinhead-sized red spots on skin or rash; itching; sweating; swelling of face or tongue; tightness in throat; loss of appetite; hair loss; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; unusual tiredness.
For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.