Etoposide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Price in India

Etoposide is a chemotherapy medicine used mainly for small cell lung cancer and refractory testicular cancer, and in some combination regimens for lymphoma. This guide covers etoposide uses, how it works, dosage, side effects, precautions, brand names and its approximate price in India.

At a Glance

What is Etoposide?

Etoposide is a chemotherapy medicine. Its core approved uses are small cell lung cancer and refractory testicular cancer. It is also included in certain combination chemotherapy regimens for Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, depending on the treatment protocol. It works by stopping cancer cells from replicating and dividing, which leads to their destruction.

How Etoposide Works

Etoposide inhibits topoisomerase II, an enzyme cells need for DNA replication. By blocking DNA replication, it halts the growth of cancer cells.

Uses of Etoposide

• Small cell lung cancer: Used with other chemotherapy drugs as first-line treatment.
• Refractory testicular cancer: Used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
• Lymphomas (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s): Included in some combination regimens, depending on the treatment protocol. Lymphoma is not one of the core labeled uses.

Etoposide Dosage (General Reference Information)

This section is general reference information. It is not a dosing guide and must not be used for self-medication. Etoposide doses are set and adjusted only by the treating oncologist.

IV etoposide (adults), from prescribing information

• Refractory testicular cancer: 50–100 mg/m²/day on Days 1–5, or 100 mg/m² on Days 1, 3 and 5, with other chemotherapy drugs.
• Small cell lung cancer: 35 mg/m²/day for 4 days, up to 50 mg/m²/day for 5 days, with other chemotherapy drugs.
• Cycles: Courses are generally repeated after adequate blood-count recovery, commonly around every 3–4 weeks depending on the regimen.

Oral capsules: Oral dosing is different from IV dosing, and the two are not interchangeable. The oncologist calculates the capsule dose separately.

Children: Dosing is decided individually by the treating oncologist.

The actual dose and schedule depend on the cancer type, the combination regimen, blood counts, kidney and liver function, and the oncologist’s judgment.

How Etoposide Is Given

IV etoposide is given by healthcare professionals as an infusion according to the prescribed protocol. Patients do not administer IV etoposide themselves. Oral capsules, where prescribed, should be taken only exactly as directed by the oncologist.

Side Effects of Etoposide

Common:

• Low blood counts (bone marrow suppression)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss (usually reversible)

Serious side effects: contact your doctor or treatment centre urgently if you notice any of these.

• Fever, chills, or other signs of infection
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or fainting, which may be linked to low blood pressure

Severe Bone Marrow Suppression

Etoposide can cause severe and sometimes fatal bone marrow suppression. This can lead to:

• Low white blood cells (neutropenia): serious infection
• Low platelets (thrombocytopenia): bleeding
• Low red blood cells (anemia): and other low blood counts

Blood counts are checked before each treatment cycle and more often when needed. Fever, chills, signs of infection, and unusual bleeding or bruising need urgent medical attention.

Infusion-Related Reactions

IV etoposide can cause infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions, including severe allergic reactions and low blood pressure. For this reason it is given by trained healthcare professionals who can monitor and manage reactions.

Who Should Not Take Etoposide

Etoposide is contraindicated in people who have had a severe allergic reaction to etoposide or its ingredients.

Etoposide Precautions

• Reduced kidney function: Etoposide doses may need to be reduced in patients with reduced kidney function. The oncologist determines the dose based on kidney function, the formulation, and the treatment regimen.
• Secondary leukemia: Secondary leukemia can occur after etoposide treatment and has been associated particularly with long-term exposure.
• Pregnancy and contraception: Etoposide can cause fetal harm. Some prescribing information advises effective contraception during treatment and for a period afterwards. The stated period differs by product, for example 6 months after the final dose for females of reproductive potential and 4 months for males with female partners of reproductive potential. Your oncologist will advise what applies to your treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Etoposide may cause serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant. Product labeling advises against breastfeeding during treatment. Some labeling extends this to 1 week after the last dose, and the period may differ by product.
• Fertility: Etoposide may impair fertility, and the effect may be permanent. Product labeling notes possible damage to sperm and testicular tissue. If you may want children in future, discuss fertility-preservation options with your oncology team before treatment starts.

Etoposide Brand Names in India

Brand availability and formulations vary by market. Indian brands of etoposide 100 mg/5 mL injection listed online include Posid, Bioposide, Etovel, and Lastet. Vepesid is an original brand name, and its current availability in India should be confirmed.

Etoposide Price in India

Listed prices for etoposide 100 mg/5 mL vials in India are approximately ₹110–₹185 per vial.

Prices may vary by brand, strength, formulation, pack size, pharmacy, location, and available discounts. This is not a recommendation to buy or use the medicine without a prescription.

How HealthPil Can Help

Medicines should be started, adjusted, or stopped only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. If you have questions about etoposide, its side effects, or your treatment plan, you can consult an oncologist through HealthPil.

You can consult a doctor online with HealthPil before starting, stopping or changing this medicine.