Vincristine

• Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in paediatric and adult patients.
• Treatment of Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
• Treatment of Wilms' tumor, neuroblastoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.

When should one not use Vincristine

• If you have a known hypersensitivity or severe allergic reaction to vincristine or other vinca alkaloids.
• If you suffer from the demyelinating form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome.
• If you have severe neuromuscular disorders or other conditions in which treatment with vincristine is considered inappropriate by your doctor.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Very common side effects (occurring frequently):
• Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, loss of deep tendon reflexes, or muscle weakness in the hands and feet)
• Constipation, abdominal cramps, and abdominal pain
• Hair loss or thinning (alopecia)
• Jaw pain or headache
• Fatigue and weakness
• Temporary low white or red blood cell counts
• Difficulty walking or changes in gait
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Jaw or bone pain
• Mild nausea and vomiting
• Serious but less common side effects:
• Severe neurotoxicity (including cranial nerve palsies, vocal cord paralysis, seizures, or severe depression)
• Paralytic ileus (intestinal blockage requiring urgent medical care)
• Severe local tissue damage, blistering, or necrosis if accidental leakage (extravasation) occurs outside the vein
• Shortness of breath or bronchospasm
• Cardiovascular events or low blood pressure

Other General Warnings

• You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands and feet, which are early signs of nerve damage.
• You develop severe constipation, abdominal distension, or inability to pass gas or stool, which may indicate paralytic ileus.
• You experience vision changes, jaw pain, or difficulty breathing during treatment.
• Keep all scheduled neurological and blood test appointments so your doctor can closely monitor your nerve function and overall health.
• If appropriate and as advised by your healthcare team, include high-fibre foods, fresh fruits, and plenty of fluids in your daily diet to help manage constipation.
• Inform your nurse immediately if you feel any burning, pain, or stinging at the injection site during your treatment.
• Report any numbness, tingling, difficulty walking, severe jaw pain, or inability to pass stool to your medical team right away.
• Inform all your healthcare providers that you are taking this medication before undergoing any other medical procedures or dental work.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets in a secure medical environment.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Inform your doctor about all medicines, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements you take.
• Tell your doctor if you take phenytoin. Vincristine may reduce the amount of phenytoin in your blood, which can make seizures more likely. Your doctor may monitor phenytoin levels and adjust its dose if needed.
• Tell your doctor if you are on antifungal medicines. Medicines such as itraconazole and fluconazole may increase the effects of vincristine and raise the risk or severity of nerve and muscle-related side effects.
• Avoid strong CYP3A inhibitors unless specifically advised by your doctor. These medicines can increase the amount of vincristine in your body and may increase its side effects.
• Tell your doctor before taking St. John's wort. It can affect how vincristine is broken down in the body and may reduce its effects. Its use with vincristine should be avoided.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose