When you are told that you are going to start chemotherapy, that is, a drug, as a cancer treatment, it is very normal to feel a little scared and nervous. Many questions come to mind, such as what kind of drug, what will happen with it, and will there be side effects. Today we will talk about the injection called Teniposide, which is given for such cancer treatment. Let's talk very simply and friendly about what happens with this and what we need to be careful about.
What is Teniposide?
Simply put, teniposide is an anticancer drug. That is, it is a drug that slows down or controls the growth of cancer cells . It is classified as a chemotherapy treatment.
This vaccine is most often used to treat a blood cancer called acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), which is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells in the blood. However, your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other types of cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before you start this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. If you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- If you have Down syndrome.
- Current infection: If you have a common infection like the flu or cold, or a viral infection like chickenpox or herpes.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney-related condition.
- Liver disease: If you have liver problems.
- Low blood counts: If previous tests have found that you have low levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in your blood.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to this medicine called Teniposide, or to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is essential to tell your doctor before starting treatment.
How will this medicine be given to you?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Teniposide is an injection (infusion) given into the body through a vein . It is like giving saline. This treatment is only given by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic. So you have nothing to worry about.
If you give this medicine to children...
If you are considering this treatment for your child, talk to your pediatrician about it. Although this medication is recommended for children in some special cases, there are additional considerations for them.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you may have taken too much of the medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Things to consider during treatment
You need to pay a little more attention to your body while undergoing this treatment.
- Physical discomfort: Since chemotherapy affects both cancer cells and healthy cells, it is normal to feel tired and uncomfortable. This is a common symptom of chemotherapy. Continue taking your prescribed treatment until your doctor tells you to stop .
- Risk of infection: This medicine temporarily lowers your body's ability to fight disease (immunity). Therefore, if you develop symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sore throat, or cough , do not self-medicate and tell your doctor immediately. Try to stay away from people who are sick during this time.
- Bleeding risk: You may be more likely to bleed or bruise easily. Tell your doctor if you notice bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or unexplained bruising on your skin.
- Pregnancy and childbirth:
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. It can cause serious harm to your unborn baby if you become pregnant. Also, do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medication .
- Men: Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If your partner becomes pregnant during this time, tell your doctor right away. This medicine may affect male fertility. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, teniposide can cause side effects. Some of them should be reported immediately, while others are not so serious. Let's break them down clearly.
| Teniposide side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of low blood counts |
|
| Other serious symptoms | Confusion, rapid heartbeat, flushing, pain or numbness in the limbs. |
| 🙂 Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores. |
| Hair loss | This is a common side effect, and hair will grow back after treatment is complete. |
Can there be problems with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, some medications can interact with this teniposide medicine. For example:
- Methotrexate
- Sodium salicylate
- Sulfamethizole
- Tolbutamide
This list is not complete. So be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements), as well as if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Take-Home Message
- Teniposide is a powerful anti-cancer drug that is given intravenously in a hospital under medical supervision.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- If you develop signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or unusual bleeding or bruising during treatment, notify your doctor immediately.
- Both women and men should take extra care to avoid pregnancy while taking this treatment. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Follow your doctor's instructions. Continue treatment until your doctor tells you to stop, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Talk to your medical team if you have any concerns.
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