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Cancer Treatment Information

Treatment Options > Chemotherapy > OncoLink Rx

Etoposide (VePesid®, VP-16®)

Hematology-Oncology Patient/Family Education Comittee
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Etoposide (e toe poe' side)
Other Name: VePesid®, VP-16®

How it is given:	Etoposide is injected into a vein. It can also be given my mouth in the form of a capsule. It can be given alone or with other drugs.
How it works:	Etoposide slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Side Effects And Precautions

Let your doctor or nurse know if you have any allergies and what medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over the counter medications. This includes vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements and any recreational drugs. Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages. Not everyone experiences side effects during chemotherapy and most side effects are temporary. The side effects that you may experience are:

Common Side Effects

Decrease in the number of white blood cells (neutropenia)
Puts you at risk of infection.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse for a fever of 100.4 F or greater. Avoid people with the flu or colds. When working in your yard, wear protective clothing including long pants and gloves. Do not handle pet waste. Keep all cuts or scratches clean. Shower or bath daily and refer to Chemotherapy and You (NCI, 1997) for mouth care. Do not cut cuticles or ingrown nails. You may wear nail polish but not fake nails. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Ask you doctor or nurse before you or a family member has any vaccinations.

Decrease in red blood cells (anemia)
Causes loss of energy.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you feel more tired than usual or short of breath while doing normal activities.

Decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia)
Puts you at risk for bruising and bleeding.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding. Do not floss or use toothpicks. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Use an electric razor to avoid cuts. Do not use medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen without asking your doctor or nurse.

Lowering of blood pressure
May occur while being infused.
What to do: When receiving this medication through a vein, your nurse will be checking your blood pressure before and during the infusion. It may become necessary to stop the administration of this medication or slow down its infusion.

Uncommon Side Effects

Loss or thinning of scalp and body hair (alopecia)
Your hair may become thinned, brittle or may fall out. This may begin two weeks after treatment starts.
What to do: The use of scarves, wigs and hairpieces may help during this temporary condition.

Decreased appetite
What to do: Try to eat five or six small meals or snacks throughout the day. If you are not eating enough, nutritional supplements may help. Ask your nurse for a copy of the Eating Hints booklet (NCI, 1995) and about nutritional counseling services.

Skin irritation
Painful, "sunburn-like" skin irritations or a rash could occur on areas that were previously treated with radiation therapy ("radiation recall").
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse for instructions on what to use to relieve the pain or rash.

Taste and smell changes
You may experience a metallic taste or dislike foods or beverages that you liked before receiving chemotherapy. These symptoms can last up to several months.
What to do: Avoid any food that you think smells or tastes bad. If red meat is a problem, eat chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products and fish without a strong smell. Flavor meat or fish by marinating it in sweet juices, sweet and sour sauce or dressings. Use seasonings like basil, oregano or rosemary. Bacon, ham and onion can add flavor to vegetables. Ask your nurse for the Eating Hints booklet (NCI, 1995) and about nutritional counseling services.

Nervous system changes
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you feel tingling, numbness, pins and needles in your hands or feet.

Fever, loss of energy, or body aches
What to do: If you experience fever or chills, let your doctor or nurse know. Before taking any medications contact your doctor or nurse.

Nausea and Vomiting
What to do: Take your anti-nausea medications as prescribed. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid a day. Avoid eating fatty foods, large meals, and acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits) and spicy or hot foods when you feel nauseated. Call your doctor or nurse if you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time.

Allergic-type reaction
Rarely, rash, itching, redness, hives and/or difficulty breathing may occur during the infusion.
What to do:If needed, medications are given to counteract the effects. Notify your doctor or nurse if you have any of these symptoms listed.

Sexual and reproductive changes
The menstrual cycle and sperm production may become irregular or stop permanently. Women may experience menopausal effects including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The desire for sex may decrease during treatment. Exposure of an unborn child to this medication could cause birth defects.
What to do: Discuss with your doctor or nurse how these changes will affect you. You may want to ask about sperm banking, egg harvesting, menopausal symptoms, sexual or relationship problems. Effective birth control is necessary during treatment. Contact your doctor or nurse if you think you may be pregnant. Do not breast feed while on this medication.