Toposar
(etoposide)
Treats cancer.
Our bottom line
Despite having serious side effects, Toposar (etoposide) has been on the market for over 30 years and doctors are very familiar with its effectiveness and safety.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (etoposide)
Upsides
- Toposar (etoposide) has been on the market for over 30 years.
- There is a lot of evidence of its effectiveness and experience with side effects you might have with this medication.
- Toposar (etoposide) is available in an injection into the vein or a pill to be taken by mouth. You and your doctor can decide which form is better for you.
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What to expect from etoposide, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Toposar (etoposide) must be given in a larger amount of fluid and over a longer period of time to prevent a large drop in blood pressure.
- When Toposar (etoposide) is given by injection, you might experience a serious allergic reaction.
- Can cause lower blood cell counts leading to bleeding, bruising, or infections.
- Can cause nausea or vomiting.
- Can cause birth defects. Females should use birth control during treatment and 6 months after, and males should use condoms during treatment and 4 months after.
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What to expect from etoposide, on one page
Download Fact SheetToposar (etoposide) stops cancer cells from multiplying by stopping the DNA from making copies of itself.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (etoposide)
Used for
- Testicular cancer
- Small cell lung cancer
Dosage forms
- Injection
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Rite AidGet free coupon$806.51
- CostcoGet free coupon$970.71
What to expect when you take Toposar (etoposide) for Cancer
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Low blood cell count
- Serious allergic reaction
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
Side effect rates for Toposar (etoposide)
- Hair loss66%66%
- Nausea and vomiting43%43%
- Low red blood cells33%33%
- Low platelets20%20%
- Low white blood cells17%17%
- Lack of appetite13%13%
- Diarrhea13%13%
- Inflamed and sore mouth6%6%
- Liver toxicity3%3%
- Abdominal pain2%2%
- Nerve damage2%2%
- Low blood pressure2%2%
- Serious allergic reaction2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of etoposide.
People taking etoposide felt side effect more
People taking etoposide felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Toposar (etoposide)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Toposar (etoposide) can cause low platelet and white blood cell counts which can be very dangerous. Your cancer doctor will do regular blood tests to make sure you're healthy enough to take Toposar (etoposide). Tell your doctor right away if you have a fever, sore throat, or mouth/throat swelling or unusual bleeding.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Toposar (etoposide)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Talk to your doctor if you're taking cyclosporine, since it interacts with Toposar (etoposide), and you're more likely to have side effects. Your doctor might have to adjust your dose of Toposar (etoposide).