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Teniposide

Chemotherapy

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What is teniposide?

Teniposide (also called VM-26 or Vumon®) is an anticancer medicine. It is a clear liquid given by vein (IV).

Teniposide can pose a health hazard to caregivers. All caregivers should take safety precautions while giving this drug. For 48 hours after this drug is given, the patient’s body fluids can contain the drug. During that 48-hour period, caregivers should follow safety guidelines when handling the patient’s vomit, blood, urine, and bowel movements, including diapers. These guidelines include wearing gloves when cleaning up body fluids. For a complete list of safety precautions, see “Do you know… Protecting caregivers from drug hazards.”

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Possible side effects

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Allergic reaction with these symptoms: flushed skin, skin rash, itching, swelling of face, low or high blood pressure, coughing, short of breath, fever, chills, stuffy nose, sneezing, and chest pain

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take teniposide will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Possible late effects

  • Low blood counts with higher risk of infection, bleeding, anemia, and tired feeling
  • Diarrhea
  • Mouth or lip sores
  • Hair loss
  • Rash
  • Hands or feet feel numb or tingle
  • Temporary changes in liver function
  • Feeling sleepy and unusually tired

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • Your blood pressure will be checked before and after you receive teniposide because the medicine can cause changes in blood pressure.
  • A nurse will watch you for at least one (1) hour after you receive teniposide for signs of an allergic reaction. Tell the nurse if you have any of the allergic reaction symptoms listed above. The nurse can give you medicines to help stop the reaction. Also, the nurse may give you the rest of the teniposide more slowly to help prevent further reaction.
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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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