Vincristine: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Vincristine is a cytotoxic anticancer drug. Vincristine is used primarily in combination with other anticancer drugs. Vincristine is used in chemotherapy for myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow), acute lymphocytic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia, Breast cancer, leukemia, Cancer of the bone e.g. Osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, Wilms' tumour, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Lung cancer, Hodgkin's disease, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers. Vincristine is administered by intravenous injection only.

VINCRISTINE SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects of Vincristine may include abdominal pain, constipation, urinary retention, jaw pain, needle sensation, loss of appetite, nerve damage, reversible hair loss, and pain.

Vincristine Warning and Caution

Avoid contact with the eyes.

People taking Vincristine should have regular blood tests to check the levels of their blood components.

Vincristine is for Intravenous (I.V.) use only.

Injection of Vincristine into the spinal cord (Intrathecal injection) could be lethal.

Vincristine can cause severe allergic reactions such as blistering, ulceration and death to skin and tissue should it spill out of the vein.

Vincristine should be use with caution in people with Liver disease.

Vincristine and Pregnancy

Vincristine should not be given during pregnancy. Seek medical counsel from your physician.

Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while using Vincristine.

Vincristine Interaction

Itraconazole may slow down the breakdown of Vincristine in the body increasing the risk of toxicity to nerves.

Body�s response to immunization is reduced by cytotoxic drugs like Vincristine. As a result the usefulness of vaccines may be compromised and infections are likely to occur in patients immunized with vaccines.

Vincristine Overdose

In case of Vincristine overdose, seek medical attention right away.

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