Oral Etoposide chemotherapy
Etoposide, otherwise known as Vepesid, is a type of chemotherapy that is used to treat some types of cancer. This fact sheet describes etoposide, how it is given and the side effects that it may cause.
It is important to know that each person's reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people experience very few side-effects, while others may experience more.
Please let your doctor or nurse know about any side effects you have, even if they have gone by the time you attend for your next hospital appointment. Treatment can often be prescribed to relieve them. You will have regular appointment s with your doctor to monitor the effect of the chemotherapy and side effects.
How it is given
Etoposide comes as a capsule, and is taken twice daily (morning and evening) for between seven and 14 days every three weeks. It should be taken twice daily with plenty of water.
Common side effects
- Temporary reduction in bone marrow function. Bone marrow manufactures red blood cells which carry oxygen to all the body's cells so that they can work effectively. It also manufactures white blood cells which fight infection, and platelets which help to stop bleeding. Therefore, if bone marrow function is reduced it may result in anaemia (loss of red blood cells), infection, or risk of bleeding. This usually begins about a week after the epirubicin and cisplatin are given and may take another week or two to recover. If it has not recovered fully before you are due your next treatment, this will be delayed for a week or so. However, this does not often happen. It is very important to report any fever, temperature, bruising, bleeding, breathlessness or extreme tiredness as these symptoms may indicate that your blood cells are low.
- Nausea and vomiting. You will be given anti-sickness drugs to reduce/prevent this, if required. If these do not control it, please let your doctor know as there are other drugs you can try. Nausea may be pre-empted by cooking smells and it may be easier to eat cold foods or prepared meals that only require heating when you feel nauseous. Eat and drink slowly and relax after meals. Some people find that sipping ginger beer helps as ginger has anti-sickness properties.
- Complete hair loss. Unfortunately, etoposide causes hair loss which may include eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair. This starts to occur about three weeks after the first treatment and may be very rapid.
- Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is temporary and your hair will start to grow back once the treatment has finished. The hospital will provide you with a wig if you would like one. It is important to remember that hair protects you and without it, you will have to take certain precautionary measures. For example, in the summer your head may burn very easily and in the winter you may feel very cold if your head is uncovered. At first, powerful showers may be quite painful if sprayed directly on top of your head and nylon pillowcases may irritate.
