Vincristine (Oncovin, Vincristine sulfate, Vincasar PFS, Vincrex, Vincrisul)

Class of Drugs: alkaloids - antineoplastic

Manufacturer: Eli Lilly and Company

Information on Patient Assistance program:
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance -1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) or

Lilly Cares, 1-800-545-6962

Description: A clear and colorless liquid with a slight vinegar-like odor. It is given intravenously. It may also be given through a central line which is inserted into a vein near the collarbone or by use of a port. Dosage is adjusted for each patient since overdose is extremely serious.

Ingredient: Vincaleukoblastine, 22-oxo-, sulfate(1:1) (salt)

Use: Vincristine, alone or in combination with other antineoplastic medications, is used for many types of cancer including leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, malignant melanoma, cancer of the uterine cervix, colorectal cancer, and Wilms' tumor.

Warnings: If you notice any stinging or burning around the vein while the drug is being given, or any leakage of fluid from the injection site tell the doctor or nurse.

If the area around the injection site becomes red or swollen at any time, even after treatment when you are home, you develop a fever, chills or any unexplained bruising or bleeding, or feel ill, even with a normal temperature, develop black, tarry stools or blood in urine or stools, a cough or hoarseness, pinpoint red spots on your skin get medical help immediately.

If you are taking Probenecid (e.g., Benemid) or Sulfinpyrazone (e.g., Anturane) advise your doctor. Vincristine may increase the amount of uric acid in the blood and the dosage on the other drugs that lower uric acid may need to be adjusted. This may also cause gout or kidney stones if you are susceptible. Discuss whether you need to drink extra fluids to avoid kidney problems.

Side Effects: Vincristine’s major side effects are hair loss, changes in the sense of taste and a reversible peripheral neuropathy which may cause numbness or tingling in toes and fingers.

A temporary decrease in bone marrow function which reduces the number of platelets can lead to bleeding, increased susceptibility to infection and anemia.

Other side effects may include nausea, constipation, stomach cramps, bed wetting, decrease or increase in urination, difficult or painful urination, lack of sweating, joint pain, lower back or side pain, visual changes, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty controlling muscle movement, drooping eyelids, headache, jaw pain, weakness, leukopenia and inflammation of the mouth.

References: Vincristine - Oncovin

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made with your team of medical professionals and prescriptions must be given by your doctor. See TERMS AND CONDITIONS.