Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Etopophos
  2. Vepesid

Canadian Brand Name

  1. Dom-Etoposide
  2. Eposin
  3. Etoposide
  4. Pms-Etoposide

Descriptions


Etoposide injection (also known as VP-16) is used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat cancer of the testicles and small cell lung cancer. It is also sometimes used to treat some other kinds of cancer in both males and females.

Etoposide belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastic agents. The exact way that etoposide acts against cancer is not known. However, it seems to interfere with the growth of the cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by etoposide, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.

Before you begin treatment with etoposide, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks of using it.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Solution
  • Powder for Solution