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| Site Navigation | Chemotherapy - Etoposide |
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| Etoposide (US and Canadian
brand name VePesid, also known as VP-16) is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of
several cancers including Hodgkin's
Lymphoma / Disease and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. For lymphomas it is more
often than not used in conjunction with other chemotherapy agents in a multidrug regimen.
It is derived from the mayapple plant (Podophyllum peltatum). Etoposide
blocks the cell reproduction cycle by disruption of chromosomal dynamics. Before taking this medicine: Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take. Inform your medical doctor of any other medical conditions or allergies or if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Dosing: This drug is usually administered by mouth in capsule form or
possibly by intravenous drip (into a vein). Exact dosage is determined by a doctor
and is based on body size. Common: hair loss usually starts 3 to 4 weeks after treatment starts. All hair may fall out including possible thinning or loss of eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair on other parts of the body. Hair should grow back after treatment stops. Less common: Diarrhea which can be controlled with medications
recommended by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids/water to prevent dehydration.
Sleeplessness, headaches, and/or confusion is rare but inform your doctor. Your
medical team should monitor you for allergic reaction to this drug at time of treatment. This drug could affect fertility (the ability to have children). Discussions with medical staff prior to starting this drug are recommended. The drug may also increase the risk of developing leukemia after treatment. Some of the regimens using Etoposide:
Etoposide Reference Links:
Manufacturer:
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature. Please consult with a doctor or the literature provided with the drug packaging if you need specific information on a drug. The author is not responsible for missing or inaccurate information and the reader assumes full responsibility for their actions. As always, please consult with medical personnel before undertaking any medical treatment. For more information on Hodgkin's Disease, please see the following pages: :
For more information on Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages: :
The Main Page - gateway to support and more This page is a work in progress - if you have more complete information, references, or other information please contact the author. The author is not in the medical field and does not warrant the correctness of the material on this page or the sites linked - please take online information and consult with your own medical team to make informed decisions. Copyright © 1999-2006 Lymphoma Information
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