Vincristine is an anti-cancer or cytotoxic drug which is classified as a plant alkaloid. It is also used to treat different cancers like ovarian cancer,thyroid cancers and brain tumors.
Availability, Dosage and Administration of Vincristine
Vincristine is not available in pill form and is administered to a through an intravenous injection or through an infusion. Vinblastine is also known to be vesicant. Vesicant is a chemical that causes extreme tissue damage and blistering is it escapes the vein. If you notice pain, redness or swelling at the IV site, ensure to alert your doctor or nurse immediately.
Availability
2 ml of 1 mg/ml vials
Dosage
Ovarian cancer (off-label)
1.5 mg/m2/dose (maximum dosage is 2 mg) weekly for 8 to 12 weeks.
Side effects
Most people do not experience side effects while being treated with Vincristine. Even if side effects occur they are predictable in terms of their onset and duration. These side effects are almost always reversible and will go after the treatment is complete. There are also many options to minimize the side effects. The most common side effects are listed below.
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Low blood counts
- Abdominal cramps
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Taste changes
- Diarrhea
- Peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling of hands and feet)
Precautions
- Before starting Vincristine treatment, inform your doctor about other medications that you might be taking. Do not take aspirin or other medications that contain aspirin.
- Do not take any kind of vaccination or immunization without informing your doctor.
- Inform your doctor before starting the Vincristine treatment if you are pregnant.
- Do not conceive a child while on Vincristine treatment. This applies to both men and women.
- There might be an increase in numbness or tingling in hands and feet. There also might be decreased sensation as treatment progresses with repeated doses of Vincristine. It is important to report this to the doctor.