Vincristine Sulfate - Vincristine - Injection Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Vincristine Sulfate.
• Oncovin, Vincasar
• vin-CRISS-teen

Read Before Using Vincristine Sulfate (precautions)

• Contraceptive (birth control) measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking this medication.
• Vincristine is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
• Consult your doctor for details.
• It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk.
• Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
• This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection.
• Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.

Vincristine Sulfate Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate piggyback or infusion device.
• Warm to room temperature before infusing.
• Check expiration date.
• Store vial under refrigeration.
• Protect from light.

Warning

• If vincristine accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged.
• Notify your doctor immediately if you feel pain or irritation at the injection site.
• Fatalities have occurred when vincristine was injected into the spine.
• This drug is for intravenous (IV) use only.

Medicinal Applications

• Vincristine is one of a large group of drugs known as "antineoplastics"; these drugs are also known as cancer drugs, chemotherapy, or "chemo".
• They are used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• A combination of different types of cancer drugs will often be used to achieve a greater effect and minimize side effects.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• Do not double dose if missed.
• Contact your doctor.

What To Do In Case Of Medical Emergency

• Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
• For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Possible Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting, loss of weight, diarrhea, rash or bloating are common side effects.
• Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting.
• Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects.
• In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
• Temporary hair loss is another common side effect; normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
• Contact your doctor, without delay, if you experience any of the following symptoms.

Overdose

• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.

Usage Instructions

• This is a potent medication.
• Use it exactly as prescribed.
• Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience pain, burning or redness at the place where injected.
• Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
• This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects.
• Check with your doctor before using any medication for stomach cramps or constipation.

Vincristine Sulfate Miscellaneous Notes

• Regular doctor visits are important to see how well the medication is working and to check for any side effects.
• Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands.
• Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of.