Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Oncovin, Vincasar PFS

Generic Name: vincristine (Pronunciation: vin KRIS teen)

• What is vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?
• What are the possible side effects of vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?
• What is the most important information I should know about vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?
• How is vincristine given (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?
• What happens if I overdose (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?
• What should I avoid while receiving vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?
• What other drugs will affect vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?

Vincristine is cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their spread in the body.

Vincristine is used to treat leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma (soft tissue tumors), neuroblastoma (cancer that forms in nerve tissue), and Wilms' tumor.

Vincristine is sometimes used in combination with other cancer medications.

Vincristine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, mouth pain, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling;
• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
• stomach pain and tenderness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• severe constipation;
• painful or difficult urination, urinating more or less than usual or not at all;
• spinning sensation, feeling like you might pass out;
• seizure (convulsions);
• problems with vision, hearing, speech, swallowing, balance, or daily activities;
• sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden headache or confusion;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; or
• pain, burning, redness, swelling, or skin changes where the IV needle was placed.

Less serious side effects may include:

• temporary hair loss;
• decreased weight with loss of muscle tissue;
• jaw pain;
• tumor pain, bone pain;
• missed menstrual periods;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite; or
• feeling weak or tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it, or if you have Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome.

Before you receive vincristine, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, coronary artery disease, or a nerve-muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis, Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy.

Vincristine is sometimes used in combination with other cancer medications.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when vincristine is injected.

Your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

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