WARNINGS
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS
Myelos uppression
ETOPOPHOS causes myelosuppression that results in thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Fatal
infections and bleeding have occurred. Obtain complete blood counts prior to each cycle of
ETOPOPHOS and more frequently as clinically indicated [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Secondary Leukemias
Secondary leukemias have occurred with long term use of ETOPOPHOS.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
ETOPOPHOS can cause hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, urticaria, pruritus, and anaphylaxis
[see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, immediately interrupt ETOPOPHOS
and institute supportive management. Permanently discontinue ETOPOPHOS in patients who experience
a severe hypersensitivity reaction.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on animal studies and its mechanism of action, ETOPOPHOS can cause fetal harm when
administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with
ETOPOPHOS and for at least 6 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of
reproductive potential to use effective contraception for 4 months after the final dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
ETOPOPHOS was non-mutagenic in an in vitro Ames microbial mutagenicity assay; however,
ETOPOPHOS is rapidly and completely converted to etoposide in vivo. Therefore, as etoposide is
mutagenic in the Ames assay, ETOPOPHOS is considered mutagenic in vivo.
In rats, oral dosing of ETOPOPHOS for 5 consecutive days at doses greater than or equal to 86
mg/kg/day (about 10 times the 50 mg/m2 human dose based on BSA) resulted in irreversible testicular
atrophy. Irreversible testicular atrophy was also present in rats treated with ETOPOPHOS intravenously
for 30 days at 5.11 mg/kg/day (about 0.5 times the 50 mg/m2 human dose based on BSA).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, ETOPOPHOS can cause fetal harm when administered
to a pregnant woman. Etoposide, the active moiety of etoposide phosphate is teratogenic in mice and
rats [see Data]. Advise pregnant women of the potential hazard to a fetus.
Advise women of childbearing potential to avoid becoming pregnant.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in
clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
In rats, an intravenous etoposide dose of 0.4 mg/kg/day (about 0.05 times of the 50 mg/m2 human dose
based on body surface area [BSA]) during organogenesis caused maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, and
teratogenicity (skeletal abnormalities, exencephaly, encephalocele, and anophthalmia); higher doses of
1.2 and 3.6 mg/kg/day (about 0.14 and 0.5 times the 50 mg/m2 human dose based on BSA) resulted in
90% and 100% embryonic resorptions. In mice, a single etoposide dose of 1.0 mg/kg (approximately
0.06 times the 50 mg/m2 human dose based on BSA) administered intraperitoneally on days 6, 7, or 8 of
gestation caused embryotoxicity, cranial abnormalities, and major skeletal malformations. An
intraperitoneal dose of 1.5 mg/kg (about 0.1 times the 50 mg/m2 human based on BSA) on day 7 of
gestation caused an increase in the incidence of intrauterine death and fetal malformations and a
significant decrease in the average fetal body weight [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Lactation
There is no information regarding the presence of etoposide in human milk or its effects on breastfed
infant milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from
ETOPOPHOS, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ETOPOPHOS.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Contraception
Females
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with
ETOPOPHOS and for 6 months after the final dose.
Males
ETOPOPHOS may damage spermatozoa and testicular tissue, resulting in possible genetic fetal
abnormalities. Males with female sexual partners of reproductive potential should use effective
contraception during treatment with ETOPOPHOS and for 4 months after the final dose.
Infertility
Females
In females of reproductive potential, ETOPOPHOS may cause infertility and result in amenorrhea.
Premature menopause can occur with ETOPOPHOS. Recovery of menses and ovulation is related to
age at treatment.
Males
In male patients, ETOPOPHOS may result in oligospermia, azoospermia, and permanent loss of fertility.
Sperm counts have been reported to return to normal levels in some men, and in some cases, have
occurred several years after the end of therapy [See Nonclinical Toxicology].
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of etoposide did not include sufficient numbers (n=71) of patients aged 65 years and
over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical
experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients.