Consumer medicine information

Etoposide Injection (Pfizer)

Etoposide

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Pfizer (Australia) Etoposide

Active ingredient

Etoposide

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Etoposide Injection (Pfizer).

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Etoposide Injection. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Etoposide Injection against the benefits this medicine is expected to have for you.

This medicine is likely to be used while you are in hospital. If possible, please read this leaflet carefully before this medicine is given to you. In some cases this leaflet may be given to you after the medicine has been used.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

What Etoposide Injection is used for

Etoposide belongs to a group of anticancer drugs known as epipodophyllotoxins. Etoposide is active against a number of cancers, including small cell carcinoma of the lung, as well as cancers of blood cells such as acute monocytic and myelomonocytic leukaemia, Hodgkin's disease, and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

It works by preventing the growth of cancer cells and eventually destroying them.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

Before you are given Etoposide Injection

When you must not be given it

Do not have Etoposide Injection if you have an allergy to:

  • any medicine containing etoposide
  • any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

  • shortness of breath
  • wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
  • rash, itching or hives on the skin.

Do not have Etoposide Injection if you have any of the following medical conditions:

  • liver disease
  • severe bone marrow failure
  • severe infection

Do not have Etoposide Injection if you are pregnant. It may affect your developing baby if you are given it during pregnancy.

Do not breast-feed if you are having this medicine. It is not known if the active ingredient in Etoposide Injection passes into breast milk, and there is a possibility your baby may be affected.

If you are not sure whether any of these apply to you, check with your doctor.

Before you are given it

Tell your doctor if:

  • You have any allergies to:
    - any other medicine
    - any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
  • You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
    You and your partner must use a reliable method of contraception (birth control) during treatment with Etoposide Injection.
  • You are breast-feeding or plan to breast feed.
  • You are receiving or have received chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • You have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
    - low blood count
    - bone marrow suppression
    - kidney disease or poor kidney function
    - liver disease or poor liver function
    - any infections

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start having Etoposide Injection.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including:

  • all prescription medicines
  • all medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements or natural therapies you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket, naturopath or health food shop.

Some medicines may be affected by Etoposide Injection or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.

If you are going to have a vaccination, tell your doctor you are being given Etoposide Injection. This medicine may affect how your immune system responds to the vaccine.

How Etoposide Injection is given

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

Etoposide Injection is given by a slow injection into a vein over 30 to 60 minutes. Etoposide Injection must only be given by a doctor or nurse.

Your doctor will decide what dose, how often and how long you will receive Etoposide Injection. This depends on your condition and other factors, such as your weight, age, blood tests and how well your liver and kidneys are working.

Etoposide Injection is always diluted in an intravenous fluid bag before being infused into a vein. Etoposide is usually given daily for 5 days This is known as a "cycle". Treatment cycles of etoposide may be repeated every 2-3 weeks.

If you are given too much (overdose)

Overdose is unlikely as Etoposide Injection is given in hospital under the supervision of a doctor.

However, if you are given too much Etoposide Injection, you may experience some of the effects listed under "Side effects" below.

Immediately telephone your doctor, or Poisons Information Centre (telephone Australia 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident or Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think that you may have been given too much Etoposide Injection.

Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

Your doctor has information on how to recognise and treat an overdose. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.

Side effects

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Etoposide Injection. Like other medicines, Etoposide Injection can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor or temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions that you may have.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:

  • swelling, burning sensation, red skin, changes in skin colour, or hardness where you had the injection
  • a rash or hives
  • headache, dizziness or light-headedness especially if you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • breathlessness or shortness of breath
  • flushing
  • fast heartbeat
  • blurred vision or blindness
  • mouth ulcers
  • fever and chills, sore throat, sweats or are generally unwell

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they concern you:

  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain
  • reduction or loss of appetite
  • difficulty swallowing
  • loss of hair

Other side effects may be only seen by blood tests. Your doctor will carry out any necessary tests.

Product description

What it looks like

Etoposide Injection is a clear, yellowish solution in a plastic ampoule.

Etoposide Injection can be identified by an Australian Register Number, which is found on the carton:

AUST R 11365 - Etoposide Injection 100 mg in 5 mL (sterile) Plastic Vial (single pack).

AUST R 11365 - Etoposide Injection 100 mg in 5 mL (sterile) Plastic Vial (10 pack).

AUST R 52986 - Etoposide Injection 500 mg in 25 mL (sterile) Plastic Vial.

Ingredients

Etoposide Injection contains etoposide, macrogol 300, citric acid, polysorbate 80 and ethanol.

It does not contain a preservative.

Supplier

Etoposide Injection is supplied in Australia by:

Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
Sydney NSW
Toll Free Number: 1800 675 229
www.pfizer.com.au

Date of preparation

This leaflet was prepared in June 2021.

Published by MIMS August 2021

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Pfizer (Australia) Etoposide

Active ingredient

Etoposide

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Etoposide.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical name.

4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin 9-[4,6-0-(R)-ethylidene-β-D-glucopyranoside].
The empirical formula of etoposide is C29H32O13.

Chemical structure.


CAS number.

33419-42-0.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Etoposide Injection is a sterile solution containing etoposide 20 mg/mL in an organic solvent base.

Excipients with known effect.

Ethanol.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Concentrate for Solution for Infusion.
Etoposide is a white or almost white, crystalline powder, practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in methanol, slightly soluble in alcohol and in methylene chloride.

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Class.

Antineoplastic agent. Etoposide is a semi-synthetic podophyllotoxin derivative.

Mechanism of action.

The exact mechanism of action of etoposide is not known, however, it appears to produce cytotoxic effects by damaging DNA, thereby inhibiting or altering DNA synthesis. Etoposide is cell-cycle dependent, and cycle-phase specific, inducing G2-phase arrest and preferentially killing cells in the G2 and late S phases. Two different dose dependent responses have been observed. High concentrations (10 microgram/mL or more) cause cell lysis in cells entering mitosis. Low concentrations (0.3 to 10 microgram/mL) inhibit cells from entering prophase. Etoposide-induced DNA damage appears to correlate well with the cytotoxicity of the drug. Etoposide appears to induce single-stranded DNA breaks indirectly.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Distribution.

Following intravenous administration, peak plasma concentrations and plasma concentration versus time curves (AUC) exhibit marked inter-individual variation. Distribution of etoposide into human body tissues and fluids has not been fully characterised. Etoposide administered intravenously undergoes rapid distribution. Apparent steady-state volume of distribution averages 20-28% of bodyweight, or 18-29 L or 7-17 L/m2 in adults and 5-10 L/m2 in children. After intravenous administration etoposide is distributed minimally into pleural fluid, and has been detected in the saliva, liver, spleen, kidney, myometrium, healthy brain tissue and brain tumour tissue. Studies suggest distribution into bile is minimal. It is not known if etoposide is distributed into breast milk. Studies have shown etoposide crosses the placenta in animals. Etoposide penetrates the central nervous system (CNS) poorly, with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) etoposide concentrations ranging from undetectable to less than 5% of concurrent plasma concentrations.
Limited data suggests etoposide distributes into brain tumour tissue more readily than into healthy brain tissue. Etoposide concentrations have been shown to be higher in healthy lung tissue than in lung metastases, but those achieved in primary myometrial tumours are similar to those achieved in healthy myometrial tissues. In vitro, etoposide is approximately 94% bound to serum proteins at a concentration of 10 microgram/mL.

Metabolism.

In vitro studies suggest that metabolic activation of etoposide by oxidation into the O-quinone derivative might play an essential role in its activity against DNA. Etoposide is approximately 66% metabolised.

Excretion.

Following intravenous administration, plasma concentrations of etoposide have generally been reported to decline in a biphasic manner, however, some data indicate the drug may exhibit triphasic elimination with a prolonged terminal phase. In adults with normal renal and hepatic function, the half-life of etoposide averages 0.6-2 hours in the initial phase and 5.3-10.8 hours in the terminal phase. In children with normal renal and hepatic function the half-life averages 0.6-1.4 hours in the initial phase and 3-5.8 hours in the terminal phase. After 72 hours, 44% of the administered dose was recovered in the urine, 29% as unchanged drug and 15% as metabolite. Recovery in the faeces ranged from less than 2% to 16% over three days. Total plasma clearance of etoposide has been reported as averaging 19-28 mL/minute/m2 in adults and 18-39 mL/minute/m2 in children with normal renal and hepatic function. Renal clearance approximates 30-40% of total plasma clearance. Dosage adjustment may be necessary in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Given its mutagenic potential, the drug could induce chromosomal damage in human spermatozoa; therefore males undergoing treatment with etoposide should employ contraceptive measures.

Carcinogenicity.

No data available.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Small cell carcinoma of the lung.
Acute monocytic and myelomonocytic leukaemia.
Hodgkin's disease.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

4.3 Contraindications

Severe hepatic dysfunction.
Hypersensitivity to any of the injection ingredients.
Severe bone marrow failure (WBC less than 2.0 x 109/L or platelet count less than 75.0 x 109/L) not due to malignant disease.
Acute infections.
Pregnancy.
Lactation.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Etoposide should be administered only under constant supervision by physicians experienced in therapy with cytotoxic agents and only when potential benefits of etoposide therapy outweigh the possible risks. Appropriate facilities should be available for adequate management of complications should the need arise.

Myelosuppression.

Cytotoxic agents, including etoposide, may produce myelosuppression (including, but not limited to, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia and thrombocytopenia).
Haematological function must be frequently and carefully monitored during and after etoposide therapy. Complete blood counts (leucocyte count with differential, platelet count, haemoglobin) should be performed prior to initiation of etoposide therapy and before each subsequent course of treatment with the drug. The occurrence of a platelet count below 50.0 x 109/L indicates that the patient is at risk of bleeding; the occurrence of a total white cell count below 3.0 x 109/L or an absolute neutrophil count below 0.5 x 109/L indicates that the patient is at risk of infection. Therapy should not be commenced if there is a risk of the platelet count, the white cell count, or the neutrophil count falling below these levels. If the counts drop below these levels during therapy, further therapy should be withheld until the blood counts have sufficiently recovered (platelets above 100 x 109/L, leucocytes above 4.0 x 109/L), this is usually within 10 days.
Clinical consequences of severe myelosuppression include infections. Viral, bacterial, fungal and/or parasitic infections, either localised or systemic, may be associated with the use of etoposide alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive agents. These infections may be mild, but can be severe and at times fatal.
Infections must be brought under control prior to initiating etoposide therapy. Bone marrow suppression may increase the risk of septicaemia. Combined chemotherapy may increase bone marrow suppression and should be used with caution. If radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are used prior to etoposide, an adequate interval, enabling bone marrow recovery should be allowed.

Anaphylactoid reactions.

Physicians should be aware of the possibility of anaphylactoid reactions manifesting as chills, fever, bronchospasm, tachycardia, dyspnoea and hypotension (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Hypotensive reactions can be reduced by prolonging the infusion period. Anaphylactic responses have usually responded to cessation of therapy and administration of pressor agents, corticosteroids, antihistamines or volume expanders, as appropriate.

Myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction has been observed in patients treated with etoposide as part of multi-agent chemotherapy. Patients with prior history of mediastinal radiation or recipients of previous chemotherapies may be at risk (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Secondary leukemia.

The occurrence of acute leukaemia, which can occur with or without a preleukaemic phase has been reported rarely in patients treated with etoposide in association with other antineoplastic drugs.
Neither the cumulative risk, nor the predisposing factors related to the development of secondary leukemia are known. The roles of both administration schedules and cumulative doses of etoposide have been suggested, but have not been clearly defined.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS).

Tumor lysis syndrome, sometimes fatal, has been reported following the use of etoposide in association with other chemotherapeutic drugs. Patients at high risk of TLS such as patients with high proliferative rate, high tumor burden, and high sensitivity to cytotoxic agents should be monitored closely and appropriate precaution should be taken (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Immunosuppressant effects/increased susceptibility to infections.

Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines in patients immunocompromised by chemotherapeutic agents, including etoposide, may result in serious or fatal infections. Vaccination with a live vaccine should be avoided in patients receiving etoposide. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered; however, the response to such vaccines may be diminished.

Toxicity.

Etoposide has a low therapeutic index, and a therapeutic response is not likely to occur without evidence of toxicity.

Administration.

Etoposide should be given only by slow intravenous infusion (usually over a 30-60 minute period), since hypotension has been reported as a possible side effect of rapid intravenous infusion.

Extravasation.

Care should be taken to avoid extravasation during infusion as the drug is irritating to surrounding tissues. Soft tissue inflammation and irritation may occur, but ulceration is generally not seen following extravasation with dilute solution. If leakage occurs, the injection should be discontinued immediately and any remaining portion of the dose should be introduced into another vein. Usual extravasation procedures should be followed.

Hyperuricaemia.

Hyperuricaemia has been reported following the first course of treatment with etoposide.

Contraception.

Etoposide should not normally be administered to patients who are pregnant (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation, Use in pregnancy) as safe use has not been established. Animal studies have shown etoposide to be teratogenic and embryocidal. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant whilst receiving etoposide therapy.

Other.

Etoposide injection also contains ethanol as an excipient: this may be a risk factor in patients suffering from liver disease, alcoholism, epilepsy, children and in pregnant women.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Patients with impaired hepatic function may develop more profound myelotoxicity during treatment with etoposide. Transient elevations in liver enzymes and bilirubin may occur. Severe hepatic dysfunction is a contraindication to etoposide treatment, and mild to moderate impairment requires careful monitoring.

Use in renal impairment.

Since a substantial fraction of etoposide is excreted unchanged in urine (approximately 30% of an intravenous dose), adjustment may be necessary in patients with impaired renal function. Monitoring during and following therapy is recommended.

Use in the elderly.

As for adults, caution may be necessary in renal or hepatic impairment.

Paediatric use.

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Polysorbate 80 (contained as a solvent diluent) has been associated with severe adverse reactions in premature infants.

Effects on laboratory tests.

Periodic complete blood counts, hepatic and renal function tests and serum urate, should be performed during treatment with etoposide. These tests should be performed prior to therapy and at appropriate periods during a course of treatment.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

High-dose cyclosporine, resulting in plasma concentrations above 2,000 nanogram/mL, administered with oral etoposide has led to an 80% increase in etoposide exposure (AUC) with a 38% decrease in total body clearance of etoposide compared to etoposide alone.
Concomitant cisplatin therapy is associated with reduced total body clearance of etoposide.
Concomitant phenytoin therapy is associated with increased etoposide clearance and reduced efficacy, and other enzyme-inducing antiepileptic therapy may be associated with increased etoposide clearance and reduced efficacy.
Co-administration of warfarin and etoposide may result in elevated international normalized ratio (INR). Close monitoring of INR is recommended.
Cross-resistance between anthracyclines and etoposide has been reported in preclinical experiments.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Etoposide may decrease male fertility.
(Category D)
Etoposide may cause foetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Etoposide has been shown to be teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice and rats and its use in pregnant women is not recommended. Etoposide should only be used in women of child-bearing potential if the expected benefits outweigh the risks of therapy and adequate contraception is used.
If the patient becomes pregnant whilst receiving the drug she should be advised of the potential hazard to the foetus.
 It is not known whether etoposide is excreted in breast milk so breast feeding should be discontinued during etoposide therapy in lactating women.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Bone marrow suppression is the most likely life threatening effect. Cardiotoxicity has been reported. See Table 1.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage.

The usual dose of etoposide must be based on the clinical and haematological response and tolerance of the patient. A repeat course of etoposide should not be administered until the patient's haematological function is within acceptable limits. (See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Adult.

The dosage for Etoposide Injection is 50-60 mg/m2/day intravenously for 5 consecutive days followed by a treatment free interval of 2-3 weeks. Total dose should not usually exceed 400 mg/m2 per course.

Method of administration.

Plastic devices made of acrylic or ABS (a polymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene) have been reported to crack or leak when used with undiluted Etoposide injection.
Etoposide should only be given by slow intravenous infusion (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Etoposide should not be administered by intrapleural or intraperitoneal injection.
Etoposide must be diluted before administration. Resultant concentrations should not be greater than 0.4 mg/mL since precipitation can occur. Usually etoposide is added to 250 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose. The infusion should be administered over a period of 30-60 minutes.
Contact with buffered aqueous solutions with pH above 8 should be avoided. Concentrations of etoposide of 0.4 mg/mL in 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride are chemically stable for 24 hours when stored at room temperature. However, to reduce microbiological hazard, admixtured solutions should be used as soon as practicable after preparation. If storage is required hold at 2-8°C for no more than 24 hours. Contains no antimicrobial preservative, use once only and discard any residue.
The use of a Pharmacy Bulk Pack should be restricted to suitably qualified pharmacists operating in suitably equipped hospital pharmacies or compounding centres. The Pharmacy Bulk Pack is intended for multiple dispensing into sterile solutions for subsequent infusion in individual patients in one treatment session. The Pharmacy Bulk Pack should be spiked only once.

Dosage adjustment.

Hepatic impairment.

Etoposide is contraindicated in severe hepatic dysfunction, and it should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.

Renal impairment.

Since some etoposide (approximately 30%) is excreted unchanged in the urine, dosage adjustment may be needed in patients with impaired renal function.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.

4.9 Overdose

No information is available relating to etoposide poisoning in humans. Hematological and gastrointestinal toxic effects are expected to be the principle manifestations of etoposide overdosage. Treatment will be mainly supportive. There is no known antidote.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Macrogol 300, Polysorbate 80, Citric acid, Ethanol.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Etoposide Injection should not be physically mixed with any other drug. Parenteral drugs should be inspected for particulate matter and discolouration prior to use.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C. Protect from light.
To reduce microbiological hazard, admixtures should be used as soon as practicable after preparation. If storage is necessary hold at 2-8°C for no longer than 24 hours. Discard unused portion.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Etoposide Injection 100 mg in 5 mL (sterile) Plastic Vial. (single pack).
Etoposide Injection 100 mg in 5 mL (sterile) Plastic Vial. (10's pack).
Etoposide Injection 20 mg/mL in 25 mL (sterile) Plastic Vial. Pharmacy Bulk Pack, for hospital use only.
Etoposide Injection 20 mg/mL in 50 mL (sterile) Plastic Vial. Pharmacy Bulk Pack, for hospital use only.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

As with all antineoplastic agents, trained personnel should prepare Etoposide Injection. Reconstitution should be performed in a designated area (preferably a cytotoxic laminar flow cabinet). The work surface should be protected by disposable, plastic-backed, absorbent paper. Protective gown, mask, gloves and appropriate eye protection should be worn when handling etoposide. Where solution accidentally contacts skin or mucosa, the affected area should be immediately washed thoroughly with soap and water and medical attention should be sought. It is recommended that pregnant personnel not handle cytotoxic agents such as etoposide. Luer-Lock fitting syringes are recommended. Large bore needles are recommended to minimise pressure and possible formation of aerosols. Aerosols may also be reduced by using a venting needle during preparation. Items used to prepare Etoposide Injection, or articles associated with body waste, should be disposed of by placing in a double sealed polythene bag and incinerating at 1100°C.

Spills and disposal.

If spills occur, restrict access to the affected area. Wear two pairs of gloves (latex rubber), a respirator mask, a protective gown and safety glasses. Limit the spread of the spill by covering with absorbent material such as absorbent towel of adsorbent granules. Collect up absorbent/adsorbent material and other debris from spill and place in a leak proof plastic container and label accordingly. Cytotoxic waste should be regarded as hazardous or toxic and clearly labeled 'CYTOTOXIC WASTE FOR INCINERATION AT 1100°C'. Waste material should be incinerated at 1100°C for at least 1 second. Cleanse the remaining spill area with copious amounts of water.

Summary Table of Changes