[.
]Action/Kinetics:
Acts as a mitotic inhibitor at the G2 portion of the cell cycle to inhibit DNA synthesis. At high doses, cells entering mitosis are lysed, whereas at low doses, cells will not enter prophase. t1/2: biphasic, initial, 1.5 hr; final, 4-11 hr. Effective plasma levels: 0.3-10 mcg/mL. Poor CNS penetration. Eliminated through both the urine and bile unchanged and as liver metabolites. Is water soluble.
Uses:
With combination therapy to treat refractory testicular tumors and small cell lung cancer. Investigational: Alone or in combination to treat acute monocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma. Also, choriocarcinoma; hepatocellular carcinoma; nonsmall cell lung, breast, endometrial, and gastric cancers; acute lymphocytic leukemia; soft tissue carcinoma; rhabdomyosarcoma.
Contraindications:
Lactation.
Special Concerns:
Safety and efficacy in children have not been established. Severe myelosuppression may occur.
Additional Side Effects:
Anaphylactic-type reactions hypotension, peripheral neuropathy, somnolence.
How Supplied:
Capsule: 50 mg; Injection: 20 mg/mL; Powder for Injection: 100 mg
Dosage
•IV
Testicular carcinoma.
50-100 mg/m2/day on days 1-5 or 100 mg/m2/day on days 1, 3, and 5 q 3-4 weeks (i.e., after recovery from toxic effects). Used in combination with other agents.
Small cell lung carcinoma.
35 mg/m2/day for 4 days to 50 mg/m2/day for 5 days, repeated q 3-4 weeks.
•Capsules
Small cell lung carcinoma.
70 mg/m2 (rounded to the nearest 50 mg) daily for 4 days to 100 mg/m2 (rounded to the nearest 50 mg) daily for 5 days; repeat q 3-4 weeks.
NOTE: Etopophos is given in higher concentrations than VePesid. Doses above are for VePesid.
Discuss prescriptions and health topics in the new 