Etoposide: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Etoposide is a chemotherapy medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for lung, testicular and other cancers. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Etoposide works

Etoposide blocks an enzyme called topoisomerase II, which cells need to untangle and copy their DNA when they divide. This damages the DNA of rapidly dividing cancer cells so they cannot multiply and die. It also affects some healthy fast-dividing cells, which causes many of its side effects.

What is Etoposide used for?

• Lung
• Testicular
• Other cancers

Etoposide is a chemotherapy medicine used, usually with other anticancer drugs, to treat small cell lung cancer, testicular cancer, lymphomas, some leukaemias and certain other cancers. It is given as a drip into a vein in hospital or as capsules, according to a plan set by a cancer specialist.

Side effects of Etoposide

Like other chemotherapy medicines, Etoposide commonly causes side effects. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Low blood counts
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores

Contact your cancer team immediately if you have a temperature, shivering or feel suddenly unwell, unusual bleeding or bruising, or swelling, wheezing or breathlessness during or after an infusion.

Precautions and warnings

• It is given only under the supervision of a cancer specialist, with regular blood tests.
• Both men and women should use reliable contraception during treatment and for a time afterwards, as it can harm an unborn baby; do not breastfeed.
• Avoid live vaccines during treatment, and stay away from people with infections where possible.
• Tell your team about any kidney or liver problems and all other medicines you take.
• Report fever, sore throat or bruising at once.

Frequently asked questions about Etoposide

What is the price of Etoposide in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Etoposide products currently in stock range from Rs 720 to Rs 1,525 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Etocid 100mg Injection at Rs 720. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Etoposide are available in Pakistan?

Etoposide is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Etocid (A.J Mirza), Fytosid (Atco Laboratories Ltd), Etoposide (Pfizer Laboratories Ltd) and Toposide (Pharmadic).

Do I need a prescription for Etoposide?

Yes. Etoposide is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Are all Etoposide brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Etoposide in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Etoposide brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 4 products containing Etoposide from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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