vincristine liposome

What is the most important information I should know about vincristine liposome?

What is vincristine liposome?

Vincristine liposome is used to treat a type of blood cancer called Philadelphia chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Vincristine liposome is given after at least two other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Vincristine liposome may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving vincristine liposome?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• a nerve-muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy;
• a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus; or
• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome.

How is vincristine liposome given?

Vincristine liposome is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once a week. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when vincristine liposome is injected.

Vincristine liposome can cause severe constipation. You may be given medication to prevent constipation while you are receiving this medicine. Use all medications as directed by your doctor.

Avoid constipation by a eating fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber. Drink plenty of fluids.

Vincristine liposome can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while receiving vincristine liposome?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What are the possible side effects of vincristine liposome?

• severe constipation, stomach pain, bloating;
• severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
• severe tiredness;
• low blood cell counts --fever, chills, cough, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
• 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.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, low blood cell counts;
• tiredness;
• numbness, tingling;
• diarrhea, constipation,
• nausea, loss of appetite; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect vincristine liposome?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect vincristine liposome, especially:

• nefazodone;
• St. John's wort;
• an antibiotic --clarithromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, telithromycin;
• antifungal medicine --itraconazole, ketoconazole;
• antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS --efavirenz, indinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, tipranavir;
• cancer medicine --apalutamide, enzalutamide, 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.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect vincristine liposome. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about vincristine liposome.