Etoposide

The label describes etoposide capsules for small cell lung cancer. It is used in combination with other approved chemotherapy medicines as first-line treatment.

• Small cell lung cancer, in combination with other chemotherapy

The label we reviewed does not describe how etoposide works.

This page covers the US label for etoposide capsules taken by mouth, with the dosing the label gives for adults.

This is label-level information, not personal advice. Indian pack labels may differ, and your prescriber's instruction always comes first.

For small cell lung cancer, the label describes a capsule dose of two times the intravenous dose, rounded to the nearest 50 mg. That ranges from two times 35 mg/m2 a day for 4 days to 50 mg/m2 a day for 5 days.

Courses are repeated every 3 to 4 weeks after recovery from toxicity. The dose is adjusted for other drugs in the regimen and for earlier radiation or chemotherapy.

The label says to wear impervious gloves when handling blister packs. Capsules are stored in a refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees C. Dosing is set by the treating cancer team.

• Dose is based on body surface area
• Courses repeat every 3 to 4 weeks
• Store in a refrigerator
• Wear gloves when handling blister packs

The label says bone marrow suppression is the most significant toxicity and has caused deaths. Platelet count, hemoglobin and white cell counts should be checked before every cycle. Therapy is held if platelets fall below 50,000 or neutrophils below 500.

It can cause fetal harm and was teratogenic in animals. Women who could become pregnant are advised to avoid pregnancy. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk, so nursing or the drug must be reconsidered.

It is contraindicated in people who were previously allergic to etoposide or any ingredient. The label refers to renal impairment adjustments in its precautions.

• Severe bone marrow suppression
• Not for people with prior allergy to it
• Can harm an unborn baby
• Breastfeeding decision needed
• Blood counts before each cycle
• Kidney impairment may need dose changes

• High-dose cyclosporin A
• The label describes high-dose cyclosporin A with oral etoposide raising etoposide exposure by 80 percent.
• The label we reviewed lists no other named drug groups in this section.

No match in this label text. Ask your pharmacist about any medicine you take.

The label gives a storage range of 2 to 8 degrees C.

Follow the storage line on your own pack, and keep medicines out of the reach of children.

In the Drugs Rules schedules we checked, etoposide is listed under Schedule H (serial and rule: Schedule H, serial 191 (rules 65 and 97)). Schedule H medicines are sold only on a registered doctor's prescription.

Etoposide is on the National List of Essential Medicines 2022. Listed forms include: Capsule 50 mg (page 81); Injection 20 mg/mL (page 81).

NPPA lists ceiling prices for scheduled etoposide formulations. The table shows the rows we found. Check NPPA directly for the current list.

The Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) list we checked has 2 product rows that mention etoposide. We did not capture prices for them.

NPPA ceiling prices set the most a seller can charge per unit for the listed formulations, before local taxes. They are ceilings, not the price you will always pay.

Jan Aushadhi lists etoposide products including Etoposide Injection IP 100 mg per 5 ml 100 mg per 5 ml; Etoposide Capsules IP 50 mg 50 mg. We have not shown a price for them. Check the pack and the seller for the actual price.