VM 26

VM 26 Ingredients: Teniposide
Representative Names: EPT, VM-26, Vumon

What is VM 26 injection ?
VM 26 is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. VM 26 interferes with cell growth and eventually causes cell death. It is effective for treating cancer of the blood, especially acute lymphocytic leukemia in children. VM 26 can be used in combination with other anticancer medicines. Generic VM 26 injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive VM 26 ?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•blood disorders
•having intramuscular injections
•infection (bacterial, viral or fungal)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to tamoxifen, polyoxyethylated castor oil (Cremophor®EL), other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use VM 26 ?
VM 26 is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting by a trained health care professional.

What if I miss a VM 26 dose ?
It is important not to miss a dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What drug(s) may interact with VM 26 ?
•live virus vaccines
•methotrexate
•vincristine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving VM 26 ?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•black, tarry stools
•blood in the urine
•difficulty breathing, wheezing
•fainting spells, lightheadedness
•fast heartbeat
•fever or chills, cough or sore throat
•flushing
•lower back pain
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site
•unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on your skin, nose bleeds
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•hair loss
•nausea
•skin rash, itching

What should I watch for while taking VM 26 ?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.

VM 26 may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because VM 26 affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.

VM 26 can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

While you are taking VM 26, you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.

Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.

Where can I keep VM 26 ?
Keep out of the reach of children.

After mixing the injection solution use within 4 hours of preparation; do not refrigerate. Throw away any unused injection solution.