Vincristine (By injection)
vin-KRIS-teen
Treats leukemia and many other types of cancer, usually in combination with other medicine.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Vincristine belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastic agents. It is used to treat some kinds of cancer as well as some noncancerous conditions.
Vincristine interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by vincristine, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, such as hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with vincristine, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Vincristine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
This medicine, like all medicines used to treat cancer, is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are getting it and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor.
Your doctor will decide how much medicine you should have and when it will be given. A nurse or other caregiver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment.
Your medicine will be given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, or hand, and sometimes in your chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or clinic where you get your treatments for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
If you have your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
If you have your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Keep all medicine away from children.
If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bags or bottles, and tubes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking blood thinners (Coumadin®), calcium channel blockers (such as Cardizem®, Procardia®, or Cardene®), or digoxin (Lanoxin®).
Tell your doctor if you are also taking phenytoin (Dilantin®) or itraconazole (Sporanox®).
You should not use aspirin or any product that has aspirin in it (such as some cold medicines) unless you have talked to your doctor.
Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while using vincristine.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vincristine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease, or diseases of your nerves or muscles, especially Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
If you start to have pain, redness, or swelling where the IV is given, tell your caregiver right away.
You may get infections more easily while getting medicine. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections
This medicine can cause constipation. Drink plenty of fluids or fruit juices while you are being treated. Your doctor may also give you medicine to soften your stool.
This medicine may make your mouth sore and irritated. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush or mouth swab.
This medicine can cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up. If the medicine does not help (you can’t keep liquids down), call your doctor.
Your doctor may want to check your blood while you are taking this medicine. Make sure to keep all appointments.
Do not breastfeed while you are being given this medicine.
Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner are being treated with vincristine. Use an effective form of birth control while taking vincristine, and for at least 2 months after stopping the medicine.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start your treatments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Blurred vision
Dizziness, lightheadedness, uncontrollable eye movements
Pain when going to the bathroom (urinating)
Severe muscle cramps or bone pain
Severe stomach pain and constipation
Swelling, redness, or pain, where the IV was given
Trouble breathing or changes in voice
Trouble controlling your bladder
Trouble walking
Unexplained fever, chills, sore throat
Unusual bleeding or bruising
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation
Hair loss
Irregular menstrual periods
Nausea or vomiting
Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Novaplus VinCRIStine Sulfate, Oncovin, Vincasar PFS
There may be other brand names for this medicine.