Etoposide

This information sheet is offered as a guide to you and your family. Your treatment will be fully explained by your doctor or nurse, who will be happy to answer any questions. 

Treatment: Your doctor has prescribed for you the following chemotherapy drug: - 

Etoposide 

Etoposide is administered orally (by mouth). 

As each patient is an individual your experience will be different to other patients receiving chemotherapy. Common side effects that you may experience during treatment are: 

Nausea and vomiting (sickness) 
The severity of any nausea and vomiting will vary from person to person. An anti-sickness injection will be administered prior to your chemotherapy. You will also be given some antisickness tablets to take home. If you continue to feel sick, contact the day unit or your GP as your anti-sickness medication may need to be changed or increased. 

Bone Marrow Suppression 
Your bone marrow is where your blood cells are made (these are the red cells, white cells, and platelets) to replace those naturally worn out by the body. Chemotherapy interferes with this process and the number of the cells in your blood can become lower than normal. This means following your treatment you could become: 

 

• Prone to infection: White cells fight infection, a low white count can make you prone to infection. You may develop a sore throat, cough, high temperature, shivering or other symptoms, which may be due to infection. If you develop a high temperature, shivering or any symptoms, which may be due to an infection, immediately contact your GP or NCCT. 
  A raised temperature is: 
  Above 38C (100.4F) at any time 
  or Above 37.5C (99.5F) at any two readings, taken an hour or more apart. 

•  Anaemia: Red cells carry oxygen around your body, a shortage of these cells is called anaemia. You may feel dizzy, out of breath or unusually tired and you may look pale. 

•  Prone to bleeding: Platelets help to clot your blood and slow down bleeding. A low platelet count may make you prone to bleeding, this usually takes the form of nosebleeds, bruising or bleeding gums. You will have a routine blood test prior to each treatment to monitor the effects of the chemotherapy. Please contact your GP or the unit if you experience any of these symptoms. 

Hair loss 
Unfortunately as a result of this treatment you will experience hair loss which is temporary. Your hair will grow back on completion of your treatment. (You may notice some hair loss approximately 2-3 weeks from the start of your treatment). Your nurse will arrange for you to be provided with a wig if required. 

Fatigue
Many people feel tired and have low energy levels whilst undergoing chemotherapy. There is very little you can do to avoid this but research has shown that patients who suffer fatigue need to take gentle exercise and rest often. This feeling of fatigue is quite normal and energy levels will begin to improve once treatment is completed. 

Please remember side effects are usually temporary. If you experience any of them, discuss them with your doctor or nurse. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment please contact:

Mon-Thurs 8.00am - 6.00pm    Day Unit ward 36 tel. 0191 2563537/2563538
Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm 

Outside these hours                   Wards 37/38 tel. 0191 2563537/2563538

N.B. If you require further information regarding the drugs you receive British Association of Cancer United Patients and their Families and Friends (BACUP) produce an in formation booklet free of charge. The telephone number is Freephone 0808 800 1234.

Information Produced by N.C.C.T.
May 2002,Reviewed June 2003 
Review Date June 2005