What is Vincristine?
Vincristine can be used to treat leukemia (cancer of the blood), Hodgkin’s disease (cancer in the lymph nodes), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (soft tissue tumors), neuroblastoma, and Wilms’ tumor.
Vincristine can be used with other cancer drugs.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of vincristine.
Side effects of Vincristine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Vincristine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Constipation is a serious condition that can cause severe abdominal pain, bloating, and bloody or tarry stool.
- Rapid weight gain and swelling
- Urination problems
- Difficulty breathing;
- Pain in your chest or pressure that spreads to your jaw, shoulder, or neck
- Problems with speech, hearing, balance, vision, or daily activities.
- A seizure;
- Mouth ulcers or pain
- Numbness, tingling, burning pain,
- Low blood counts: fever; chills; sore throat. Body aches, easy bruises, unusual bleeding Pale skin. Cold hands and feet. Feeling light-headed.
Some of the common side effects associated with vincristine include:
- Hair loss;
- Loss of muscle mass with weight loss;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss,
- Rash.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Darzalex, Blenrep, Tecvayli, Carvykti, Xpovio, Kyprolis, and Elrexfio
Warnings
Vincristine should not be used if you suffer from a neuromuscular disorder, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome.
Before you take this drug
Vincristine should not be used if the patient is allergic to it or has a neuromuscular disorder like Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome. Inform your doctor if radiation treatment is also being received.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Gout;
- Kidney stone
- Breathing problems
- Liver disease
- A blockage in the intestines.
- High blood pressure.
Vincristine can harm an unborn child. Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy, and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Vincristine may cause missed menstrual periods.
This medicine can affect your fertility (ability to have children), regardless of whether you're a man.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Vincristine?
Vincristine infusions are given into a vein once a week. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.If you experience any pain or swelling when the vincristine IV needle is inserted, tell your carers.
It may be necessary to have frequent medical tests in order to ensure that this medication does not have any harmful side effects. The results may delay your cancer treatment.Vincristine may cause constipation. Consult your doctor about how to prevent severe constipation.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to keep your appointment, call your doctor and ask for further instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Vincristine will be administered by a healthcare provider in a medical environment, so an overdose should not occur. Overdose symptoms can include the severe versions of side effects that are listed in this medication guide.
What should be avoided?
Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Nefazodone;
- Phenytoin;
- An antibiotic—clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;
- Antifungal medicine: itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole; or
- Antiviral medicines to treat HIV and hepatitis C: boceprevir (cobicistat), dasabuvir (elvitegravir), indinavir/lopinavir (nelfinavir/ritonavir), ombitasvir, paritaprevir, saquinavir, telaprevir, and tipranavir.
This list is incomplete. Vincristine may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions with other drugs.
