Teniposide is used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adults. In adulthood it is also used in the treatment of lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

 

What is Teniposide?

 

Teniposide inhibits DNA synthesis by forming complexes with the DNA itself and with the enzyme topoisomerase II. The link with the drug induces breaks in double-stranded DNA and hinders its repair.

 

How should Teniposide be taken?

 

Teniposide is administered directly into the vein. The dose, the weekly number of doses and duration of treatment varies from patient to patient.

 

Side effects associated with Teniposide

 

Among the possible adverse effects of Teniposide are included:

 

  • Dark stools
  • Blood in urine or stool
  • Chills
  • Cough or hoarseness
  • Fever
  • Urticaria
  • Back ache
  • Painful or difficult urination
  • Red spots on the skin
  • Tightness in the chest;
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bleeding or bruising

 

It is important to contact a doctor immediately if treatment with Teniposide triggers any of the following symptoms:

 

  • Redness of the face
  • Sores in the mouth or on the lips
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Skin rash
  • Reduction in urine output
  • Swelling of the face, fingers, feet or calves
  • Jaundice

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Teniposide

 

Before starting treatment with Teniposide it is also important to inform your doctor if:

 

  • You have any allergic reaction to the active substance or any other medication
  • You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, citing in particular amprenavir, atazanavir, butabarbital, butalbital, clarithromycin, conivaptan, darunavir, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, imatinib, indinavir, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir, miconazole, natalizumab, nefazodone, nelfinavir , nicardipine, posaconazole, quinidine, quinupristin, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, voriconazole, and trastuzumab
  • You suffer (or have suffered) from acute bleeding, liver or kidney disease or nerve problems that affect mental alertness
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding