Download Etoposide

Drug – Etoposide
Office for Human Research Studies
DANA-FARBER / HARVARD CANCER CENTER
Etoposide
FDA Approved
Risks Associated with Etoposide
Frequent (Between a 10-50% chance that this will happen)
 A low number of white blood cells may increase the risk of infection. It may
become life-threatening. Symptoms of infection may include fever, pain, redness,
and/or difficulty breathing.
 Low number of red blood cells that can causes tiredness and shortness of
breath. May require a blood transfusion.
 Decreased number of blood cells that help to clot blood. This is associated with
an increased risk of bleeding.
 Diarrhea, which is frequent, loose watery stools, which can cause dehydration
and may require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous fluids. Severe
and prolonged diarrhea can be life-threatening.
 Feeling tired, tiredness, weakness.
 High body temperature, a fever.
 Hairloss
 Chills and shivering
 Sores in the mouth and esophagus, which may be painful and cause difficulty
swallowing.
Occasional (Between a 1-10% chance that this will happen)
 Skin irritation, rash
 The heart is not able to pump blood properly, which can cause weakness and
tiredness, fluid retention, and fluid build-up in the lungs, which can cause
shortness of breath.
 Liver damage which can cause fatigue, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and
eyes). Although this is usually mild and reversible, this can be serious or life
threatening and may require hospitalization and surgery.
Rare (Less than a 1% chance that this will happen)
 Allergic reaction that may include a rash, hives, fever, difficulty breathing, and
low blood pressure. Although usually reversible with treatment, it can be severe
or life threatening.
CF Builder Generated Version: 05.12.2016
DFCI IRB Approved Version: 05.20.2016
Drug – Bevacizumab

A second cancer related to the treatment of your first cancer. This usually occurs
years after treatment for the first cancer.
-2-