VP 16

VP 16 Ingredients: Etoposide Oral
Representative Names: VP-16, VePesid Oral

What are VP 16 capsules ?
VP 16 is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. VP 16 interferes with the growth of cells. VP 16 is effective in treating cancer of the lung and testicles. Generic VP 16 capsules are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take VP 16 ?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•bleeding problems
•blood disorders
•having intramuscular injections
•infection (bacterial, viral or fungal)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to VP 16, other chemotherapeutic agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take VP 16 ?
Take VP 16 capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. After several days of treatment there is usually a break of 3 to 4 weeks before the treatment is repeated.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a VP 16 dose ?
If you miss a dose, skip that dose unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you otherwise. Do not take double or extra doses. If you vomit after taking a dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

What drug(s) may interact with VP 16 ?
•bosentan
•cisplatin
•cyclosporine
•cytarabine
•ifosfamide
•live virus vaccines
•methotrexate
•verapamil
•voriconazole

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking VP 16 ?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•black, tarry stools
•blood in the urine
•difficulty breathing, wheezing
•fast heartbeat
•fever or chills, cough or sore throat
•lower back pain
•mouth or throat sores or ulcers
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on your skin
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•hair loss
•headache
•loss of appetite
•nausea

What should I watch for while taking VP 16 ?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.

VP 16 may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because VP 16 affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.

VP 16 can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

While you are taking VP 16 you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.

Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.

Where can I keep VP 16 ?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F); do not freeze.