Posid

Posid is an anticancer drug used in combination with other drugs to treat:

• Small lung cancer cells
• Cancer of the testicle and ovaries
• Certain types of cancer that affect the blood and lymphatic system
• It may also be given as high-dose therapy for bone marrow transplant setting

It’s used when all other medications have failed to treat testicular cancer and lung cancer. Cancers form when cells in the body multiply abnormally and uncontrollably. The abnormal cells spread and destroy nearby tissue.  The cancer cells, like normal cells, go through a continuous process of change. Each cell undergoes the process of mitosis, where the cells divide into two daughter cells.

Posid belongs to the class of drugs known as podophyllotoxin derivatives. It works by inhibiting the cancer cells from growing and multiplying. It stops the cancer cells from undergoing the process of mitosis. It destroys the cells in the phase before mitosis, where proteins are made. This prevents the cancer cells from growing, multiplying, and spreading throughout the body.

When and How to Use Posid

Posid comes in a capsule form for you to take by mouth.  Take it once a day for 4 or 5 days in a row. Repeat the cycle every 3 to 4 weeks depending on your response to the medication. The duration of your treatment depends on the type of drug you are taking, the type of cancer you have and how well you respond to the treatment.

Take it exactly as directed. Take it at the same time each day. Swallow the capsule with a glass of water. Do not open, chew, or crush the capsule. Do not take it more or less than what is directed or for a longer period.

What should I know before taking Posid?

• Posid is harmful to a developing baby. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Before you start with this medication, make it clear to your doctor whether you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. To prevent pregnancy, you should use an effective contraceptive during the treatment, and for at least six months after treatment is finished.
• Posid can also affect healthy normal cells particularly the cells that multiply quickly like the hair cells and blood cells. One known side effect of Posid is on the bone marrow. Posid can decrease the production of blood cells.
• A low white blood cell count can leave patients more susceptible to infections. While low red blood cells can cause anemia. A low platelet count can cause blood clotting problems. It is therefore important for patients to monitor their blood cell levels while under medication. Inform your doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms like bleeding or unexplained bruising, mouth ulcers, sore throat, fever, signs of infections, and breathlessness.
• Your ability to father a child or to get pregnant may be affected after taking Posid. You should discuss the fertility issue with your doctor before starting with your treatment.
• Some side effects are reversible and may go away once your treatment is complete.

Possible Side Effects of Posid

Posid is a strong anticancer drug that causes unwanted side effects. The following side effects are known to be associated with this medicine:

• Reversible hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling sick
• Fatigue
• Sore mouth
• Drowsiness
• Allergic-type reactions
• Feeling weak
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Reversible vision loss
• Inflammation or scarring of the lungs
• Alteration of taste
• Allergic skin reaction
• Changes in blood pressure

Serious side effects include:

• Liver problems with signs like abdominal pain, jaundice, persistent nausea, and vomiting.
• Fast, irregular heartbeat
• Hives
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures

Posid may cause other side effects. In case of any unusual problems call your doctor right away.

Getting the Best Result from Posid

• Posid should be administered in courses at various intervals to allow normal healthy cells to recover from the side effects. During this time, cancer cells also recover and start to replicate. Successful treatment, therefore, depends on the next therapy before the cancer cells will regrow to its previous size. With each successive course, the goal is to decrease the amount of cancer.
• Use Posid with care among patients with decreased liver and kidney function.
• Do not use among patients with:
  • Severely decreased liver function
  • Breastfeeding woman
  • Patients with a very low white blood cell count, red blood cells or platelets in the blood
  • Who are allergic to any of its ingredients
• Your doctor may monitor your liver function during the duration of your treatment.
• Tell your doctor what medicines you are taking including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements before you start with your treatment.
• Postpone live vaccines such as oral polio, BCG, measles, and mumps for at least 6 months after treatment. Vaccines may be less effective as this medicine reduces the activity of the immune system and can prevent the body from forming enough antibodies.
• This medicine may enhance the anti-blood-clotting effect of Warfarin which may increase your risk of bleeding.
• In case of an allergic reaction call your doctor right away.