Vincristine sulfate
Drug Description
Why is this medication prescribed?
Certain kinds of leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells), such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML, ANLL), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease), and non-lymphoma, Hodgkin’s are treated with vincristine in combination with other chemotherapy medicines (types of cancer that begin in a type of white blood cells that normally fights infection). For the treatment of neuroblastoma, a cancer that starts in nerve cells and primarily affects children, Wilms tumour, and rhabdomyosarcoma, vincristine is also used with other chemotherapy medications (cancer that forms in muscles in children). Vincristine belongs to the group of drugs known as vinca alkaloids. It functions by reducing or halting the development of cancer cells within your body.
How should this medicine be used?
Vincristine is administered intravenously (into a vein) by a physician or nurse in a healthcare setting. Typically, it is given once per week. The sort of drugs you are taking, how well your body reacts to them, and the type of cancer you have will all affect how long your treatment will last.
If you have certain adverse effects, your doctor can decide to postpone your treatment or alter your dose. It is crucial that you communicate your feelings to your doctor during your vincristine injection treatment.
During your vincristine injection treatment, your doctor might advise you to use a stool softener or laxative to help prevent constipation.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Vincristine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- sores in the mouth and throat
- loss of appetite or weight
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- headache
- hair loss
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- hives
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- constipation
- increased or decreased urination
- swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- pain, numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
- difficulty walking or unsteady walking
- muscle or joint pain
- sudden changes in vision, including loss of vision
- hearing loss
- dizziness
- loss of the ability to move muscles and to feel a part of the body
- hoarseness or loss of ability to speak loudly
- seizures
- jaw pain
- fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection