Vepesid (etoposide)

How does it work?

Vepesid capsules contain the active ingredient etoposide, which is an anticancer chemotherapy medicine.

Cancers form when some cells within the body multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. These cells spread, destroying nearby tissues. Etoposide works by stopping the cancer cells from multiplying.

Like normal healthy cells, cancer cells go through a continuous process of change. Each cell divides into two daughter cells. These cells grow, rest and then divide again. Etoposide prevents the cells from entering mitosis (the dividing stage) of the cell's life cycle. It also destroys cells in the previous phase before mitosis where proteins are made.

Unfortunately, etoposide can also affect normal, healthy cells, particularly those that multiply quickly, such as blood cells and hair cells. The most important side effect is on the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Etoposide can decrease the production of blood cells, leaving people susceptible to infection. Regular blood tests are therefore needed to monitor the levels of blood cells.

In most chemotherapy regimens, doses are administered in courses at various intervals to allow normal cells to recover from the adverse effects of the anticancer medicines between doses. However, during this period, cancer cells will also recover and start to replicate again. Successful treatment depends on the administration of the next course of therapy before the cancer has regrown to its previous size and the net effect is to decrease the amount of cancer with each successive course.

Etoposide is used principally in combination with other anticancer drugs, though it can also be used alone. It is usually given every day for three to five days. The course is then repeated not more frequently than at intervals of 21 days.

Vepesid capsules are taken by mouth; they should be swallowed whole on an empty stomach.

What is it used for?

Small cell lung cancer.

Testicular cancer.

In addition to these licensed uses, etoposide may also be used by specialists to treat other types of cancer, including leukaemia and lymphoma.

Warning!

Chemotherapy medicines can decrease the number of blood cells in your blood. A low white blood cell count can increase your susceptibility to infections; a low red blood cell count causes anaemia and a low platelet count can cause problems with blood clotting. For this reason, you will need regular blood tests to monitor your blood cells during treatment with this medicine. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms during your treatment, as they may indicate problems with your blood cells: unexplained bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore mouth or throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever) or other signs of infection, or suddenly feeling tired, breathless, or generally unwell.

Your liver function should also be monitored during treatment with this medicine. Symptoms that may suggest a liver problem include persistent nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, or the development of jaundice (a yellow colouring to the skin and the whites of the eyes). Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

On very rare occasions, etoposide may cause a second cancer, usually a type of acute leukaemia, to develop a few years after your treatment has finished. Your doctor or nurse can discuss the risks of this with you.

Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by treatment with this medicine. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function.

Decreased liver function.

Not to be used in

Severely decreased liver function.

Pregnancy.

Breastfeeding.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Women who could get pregnant should use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy, and men should use effective contraception to prevent fathering a child, both during treatment, and for at least a few months after treatment is finished. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Mothers who need this medicine should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Vepesid capsules should be taken an hour before food or on an empty stomach.

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