Have you or someone close to you been diagnosed with cancer and started treatment for it? At such a time, doctors may prescribe medications like Etoposide. It is very normal to feel a little scared, curious, and want to know what it is when you hear this name. Cancer treatment is a big journey, so having a clear understanding of the medications you are given will be a great strength for you during that journey. So today, let's talk simply and friendly about this drug called Etoposide (VP-16), what it does, and what things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Etoposide (VP-16)?
Simply put, Etoposide is a chemotherapy drug that is used to kill cancer cells. Think of it like a specially trained team of doctors who seek out and destroy cancer cells. This drug attacks the body's rapidly dividing cells, so the cancer cells are destroyed.
This medicine is mainly used to treat conditions like testicular cancer and lung cancer . Doctors may also prescribe this medicine for some other types of cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
This is very important. In order for your doctor to provide you with the most appropriate and safe treatment, it is essential to have a complete understanding of your health condition. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor before starting treatment.
- Current infections: If you currently have any infection such as fever, cold, cough, or body aches.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney problems.
- Liver disease: If there is any weakness or disease in the functioning of the liver.
- Blood deficiency: If previous tests have shown that you have low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
- Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine, Etoposide, or any other medicine, food, or dye in the past.
- Pregnancy: If you are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How this medicine is given to you and what to watch out for
This medicine is given through a vein, like an infusion into a vein. This is not something you can do at home. It is given to you in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nursing staff who has received special training in this area.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else for any reason.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to take your medication on time and on the scheduled date for this treatment. If for some reason you are unable to go to the hospital on the scheduled date, inform your doctor or the treatment unit immediately.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you feel that the dose of the medicine has been increased in any way, inform the staff immediately. If you have any problems at home, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can interact with Etoposide. For example, if you are taking the blood thinner Warfarin , you should definitely tell your doctor about it.
Therefore, give your doctor a complete description of all the medications you are taking (medicines for other diseases, vitamins, even Sinhala medicines), supplements you are taking, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol. Do not hide anything, because all of these things can affect the success of your treatment.
Things to be very careful about during treatment
It is normal for your body to feel a little sore during treatment. This is because these drugs affect cancer cells as well as some healthy cells in our body. But don't worry about it. Don't stop treatment until your doctor tells you to.
- Protect yourself from infections: This medicine lowers your body's ability to fight diseases, that is, your immunity . Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, or runny nose, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. During this time, avoid going to crowded places and being near sick people as much as possible.
- Watch out for bleeding and bruising: This medicine may make you bruise or turn blue easily, even if you get a small cut. It may also take longer for bleeding to stop even if you get a small cut. If you notice bleeding from your gums, nosebleeds, or unusual bleeding or bruising, tell your doctor .
- Special advice about pregnancy and sexual health: This is a very important issue.
- For women: You should avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for at least 6 months after stopping treatment. This is very important because it can seriously harm an unborn baby. Also, do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine.
- For men: Men should also use a condom during sexual intercourse while taking this medication and for at least 4 months after stopping. This is important even if you have had a vasectomy. If your partner becomes pregnant during this time, tell your doctor immediately. Also, avoid donating sperm during this time. This medication may affect sperm count.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Etoposide can have side effects. Not everyone gets these, and some people may get one or two. The most important thing is to be aware of these and inform your doctor if necessary.
| Etoposide side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor or hospital immediately. | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, and pain when urinating. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Bleeding that doesn't stop even from a small wound, unexplained bruising, bleeding from the gums or nose. |
| Symptoms of Anemia | Feeling more tired than usual, feeling lethargic, fainting, and having difficulty breathing. |
| Skin problems | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Severe nausea/vomiting | Severe nausea and vomiting that cannot be controlled with medication. |
| 🙂 If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Appetite | Loss of appetite. |
| Mouth sores | Small sores inside the mouth. |
| Hair loss | This is common, and hair will grow back after treatment is complete. |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Change in taste | Changes in the taste and perception of food. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual or different, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Etoposide is a powerful drug that kills cancer cells. It is given in the hospital, through a vein.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your health information and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience signs of infection such as fever, chills, or unusual bleeding/bruising during treatment, seek medical advice immediately.
- Strictly follow the advice given to both women and men regarding pregnancy prevention.
- Side effects are normal. Don't be afraid to talk about them, and be open about any discomfort you may have. They are there to help you. You don't have to go through this journey alone.
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