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.

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.

Do not use vincristine without first talking to your doctor if you have

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• a breathing or lung disease; or
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome or another type of nerve or neuromuscular disease.

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.

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.

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of vincristine.

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.

There are no restrictions on food, beverages or activity during treatment with vincristine unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If you experience any of the following side effects from vincristine, contact your doctor:

• an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• nerve problems (such as burning, pricking, or tingling; loss of reflexes, or difficulty walking);
• little or no urine production, painful or difficult urination, or excessive urination;
• constipation or abdominal cramps;
• nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
• weight and muscle loss or wasting;
• inflamation and sores on the lips or inside the mouth;
• hearing problems;
• vision problems;
• jaw, throat, bone, back, or limb pain;
• headache;
• temporary hair loss; or
• redness, burning, or irritation at the injection site.

Menstruation in women and sperm production in men may stop.

Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with vincristine.

Many drugs may interact with vincristine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with vincristine.

Your healthcare provider may have additional information about vincristine that you may read.

Vincristine is available with a prescription under the brand names Oncovin and Vincasar PFS. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.