Vincristine injection
To return to the main entry click here.
What is vincristine injection?
VINCRISTINE (Oncovin®) is a cancer chemotherapy agent used for treating many different types of cancer including acute lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin's disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, breast cancer, Wilm's tumor, brain cancer, and others. Vincristine comes from a plant in the periwinkle family. Vincristine interferes with the growth of rapidly dividing cells, like cancer cells, and eventually causes cell death. Vincristine is most commonly used in combination with other chemotherapy agents. Generic vincristine injections are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• liver disease
• problems with constipation or other intestinal problems
• gout
• infection (especially chickenpox and herpes)
• nervous system disease
• previous chemotherapy with paclitaxel (Taxol®) or cisplatin (Platinol®)
• previous radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to vincristine, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Vincristine is for injection into a vein. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting by a trained health care professional. If you notice pain, swelling, burning or any unusual feeling around the site of your injection, tell your health care professional immediately. There may be several weeks between doses.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss a dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment.What drug(s) may interact with vincristine?
• bosentan
• phenytoin
• nifedipine
• vaccines
When given with other chemotherapy agents, vincristine may increase the effects and/or side effects of the other chemotherapy. Chemotherapy that may be affected by vincristine include:
• L-asparaginase
• bleomycin
• cisplatin
• methotrexate
• paclitaxel
Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these over-the-counter medicines:
• aspirin
• acetaminophen
• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• ketoprofen
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking vincristine?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.
Vincristine may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because vincristine affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.
If you are going to receive a vaccine, tell your health care professional or prescriber that you are receiving vincristine. Vincristine and other chemotherapy may decrease your body's response to vaccines, making them less effective.
Vincristine may make you constipated. It is important to take a stool softener and/or laxative while receiving vincristine. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2—3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional. They may recommend using an enema or suppository to help you move your bowels.
Avoid taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®), or ketoprofen (Orudis® KT) products as these may mask a fever, unless instructed to by your prescriber or health care professional.
If you are going to have surgery or go to the dentist, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are receiving vincristine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving vincristine?
The side effects you may experience with vincristine therapy depend upon the dose, other types of chemotherapy also given and the disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health care professional.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
More common:
• constipation
• fever
• rash
• tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
• increase or decrease in the amount of urine passed
Less common (may only be seen with high doses):
• agitation, confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
• vision changes
• difficulty in walking
• jaw, joint or bone pain
• loss of reflexes
• depression
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site
• stomach pain
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• hair loss
• loss of appetite
• feeling tired
• nausea
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic. You will not have to take this medicine at home.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
