What is the Vincristine liposome?
Vincristine liposomes are used to treat a form of blood cancer known as Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute leukemia.
After at least two cancer treatments have failed or stopped working, vincristine liposomes are given.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for the vincristine liposome.
Side effects of Vincristine liposome
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.
The liposomes of vincristine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Constipation is a serious condition that causes stomach pain and bloating.
- Severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- You may experience tingling or burning in your feet or hands.
- Severe tiredness;
- Low blood counts: fever; chills; a cough; mouth sores or skin sores. Easy bruising or bleeding. Pale skin. Cold hands and feet.
- Signs of tumor cell breakdown: tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet, or around your mouth.
Some of the common side effects associated with vincristine liposomes include:
- Fever and low blood cell count
- Tiredness;
- Numbness, tingling;
- Diarrhea, constipation,
- Symptoms of nausea and loss of appetite
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
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
Blincyto, methotrexate, Imatinib, doxorubicin, Gleevec, Mercaptopurine, and Sprycel
Warnings
Vincristine liposome should not be used if you suffer from Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome or any other condition that damages myelin, the protective covering of nerves within your brain and spinal cord.
Before you take this drug
If you have a myelin disorder (the protective covering of your nerves in the brain and spinal cord) or are allergic to vincristine, you should avoid using it.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Liver disease
- A disorder of the nerves and muscles such as myasthenia gravis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy
- A paralytic ileus is an obstruction of the bowel.
- Peripheral arterial disease, such as Raynaud syndrome.
Vincristine liposomes can harm an unborn child. Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy, and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.
Vincristine liposomes should not be used while breastfeeding. You should throw away any milk collected if you are using a breast pump. Do not give it to your child. You should follow your doctor's advice about when to start breastfeeding after treatment.
How to take Vincristine liposome?
Vincristine liposomal is injected into a vein once a week. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.The infusion of vincristine can take up to an hour.When you are injected with vincristine, tell your carer if there is any pain or swelling in the area around the IV.
Vincristine liposomes can cause constipation. While you are taking this medication, you may also be prescribed medication to prevent constipation. All medications should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.Constipation can be avoided by eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink lots of fluids.Your blood count can be affected by liposomes containing vincristine. You will have to test your blood often. The results may delay your cancer treatment.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for acute lymphoblastic leukemia:
Every 7 days, administer 2.25 mg/m2 intravenously over an hour.
Use: Philadelphia-chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a second or higher relapse or when disease progresses after two or more anti leukemia treatments. This indicator is determined by the overall response rate.The clinical benefit, such as an improvement in survival overall, has not been confirmed.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to keep your appointment for the vincristine injection, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Vincristine liposomes can affect your reactions. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure of how they will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Vincristine liposomes can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Nefazodone;
- John's Wort;
- An antibiotic—clarithromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, telithromycin;
- Antifungal medicine: itraconazole, ketoconazole;
- Antiviral medicines to treat hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, nevirapine (nelfinavir), ritonavir (saquinavir), telaprevir, and tipranavir
- Cancer medicine: apalutamide, enzalutamide, and mitotane
- Heart or blood pressure medication—amiodarone, dronedarone, quinidine, ranolazine, verapamil;
- Medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection—cyclosporine, tacrolimus;
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, primidone, or
- Steroid medicine—dexamethasone, prednisone.
The list of drugs that may interact with vincristine is not exhaustive. Many other medications can also cause it to be ineffective. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
