- The effects of EPOCH-R on the developing human fetus are unknown. For this reason and because chemotherapy agents are known to be teratogenic, female subject of child-bearing potential not willing to use an acceptable method of birth control(i.e., a hormonal contraceptive, intra-uterine device, diaphragm with spermicide, condom with spermicide, or abstinence) for the duration of the study and one year beyond treatment completion will not be eligible to participate in the study.