What is the most important information I should know about vincristine?
Vincristine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider
experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects have been reported with the use of vincristine including: allergic reactions
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); nerve damage
(burning, pricking, or tingling; loss of reflexes and difficulty in walking); severe nausea, vomiting,
constipation, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from
treatment with vincristine.
What is vincristine?
Vincristine is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Vincristine interferes with the growth of
cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Vincristine is used in the treatment of leukemia. Vincristine has also been used in the treatment
of Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms'
tumor, and other types of cancer.
Vincristine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not use vincristine?
Do not use vincristine without first talking to your doctor if you have
The use of vincristine may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Vincristine is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that vincristine is known to be
harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not use vincristine without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are
recommended during treatment with vincristine.
It is not know whether vincristine passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding should be avoided
during treatment with vincristine.
How should I use vincristine?
Vincristine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider
experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with vincristine
depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any
questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain or swelling at the place of
injection or anywhere else on your skin.
Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical
evaluations during treatment with vincristine to monitor progress and side effects.
Your healthcare provider will store vincristine as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing
vincristine at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of vincristine.
What happens if I overdose?
If for any reason an overdose of vincristine is suspected, seek emergency medical attention
or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Symptoms of a vincristine overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication,
although often more severe.
What should I avoid while using vincristine?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages or activity during treatment with vincristine unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
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