Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TENIPOSIDE - INTRAVENOUS

(ten-IP-oh-side)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vumon

Uses

This medication is an anticancer drug often used in combination with other anticancer drugs in the treatment of leukemia and certain cancers.

How To Use

Use this as directed. This medication is administered by infusion into a vein over 30 to 60 minutes or longer. The dose and frequency of use will be determined in part by your condition and response to previous therapy. This medication must be handled carefully because it can irritate the skin.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, change in appetite or reversible hair loss may occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, skin rash, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills), breathing trouble, irritation at the injection site, rapid or irregular heartbeat, persistent sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, leukemia, Down's syndrome, infections, allergies. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. Teniposide is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor about pregnancy and the use of this medication. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use, including: warfarin, sodium salicylate, tolbutamide, methotrexate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fever, chills, easy bleeding or bruising; or persistent sore throat or fever

Notes

Laboratory tests will be done frequently to monitor the effectiveness of this medication and to prevent side effects.

Missed Dose

It is important that each dose be used as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store this medication in the refrigerator as directed. Do not freeze or shake. Check the expiration date on the label and properly discard of any unused medication after that time.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).