ETOPOSIDE

Topoisomerase inhibitor anticancer

Dosage Forms

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Powder for Injection

100 mg

Uses

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  • Small cell lung cancer
  • Refractory testicular carcinoma
  • Monoblastic leukaemia (second line treatment)

Dose and Duration

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Give 60−120 mg/m² by slow IV infusion (30−60 minutes) for 5 consecutive days. Repeat course every 21 days depending on blood count results
Do not give infusion rapidly

Contraindications

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  • Children aged below 12 years
  • Severe liver impairment
  • Hypersensitivity to etoposide or podophyllotoxins

Side Effects

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  • Myelosuppression (leucopoenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)
  • Alopecia
  • Nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation
  • Hypotension (following rapid infusion)
  • Myocardial infarction, arrhythmia
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Rash, urticaria, pruritus, anaphylactic reactions
  • Asthenia, malaise, dizziness
  • Injection site reactions

Interactions

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  • Ciclosporin (increased concentration of etoposide)
  • Cisplatin (increased concentration of etoposide)
  • Phenytoin (reduced etoposide efficacy)
  • Live vaccines (risk of full-blown disease)

Pregnancy

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  • Do not use

Breast-feeding

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  • Discontinue breastfeeding

Storage

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  • Store at 25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze

⚠️ Caution

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  • Treat any bacterial infections before starting etoposide
  • Irritant to skin. Avoid direct contact
  • Anticancer medicines should only be handled by health workers trained and experienced in cytotoxic medicines