Vincristine
- Generic Name:
- Vincristine
- Pronunciation:
- vin-KRIS-teen
- Drug Type:
- Antimitotic
- How the Drug is Given:
Intravenously (IV)
- Names:
- Oncovin®
- Vincristine
Indications and Usage
Vincristine is an FDA-approved chemotherapy agent that is used to treat some types of blood cancer as well as some noncancerous conditions. Vincristine may cause hair loss in some patients. After treatment with vincristine has ended, or sometimes even during treatment, normal hair growth should return.
Side effects needing medical attention
If vincristine accidentally seeps out of the vein, it may damage some tissues and cause scarring. Your healthcare provider should be notified right away if redness, pain or swelling is noticed at the IV site. Other effects needing attention are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; blurred or double vision; constipation; difficulty walking; drooping eyelids; side or stomach pain; headache; jaw pain; joint pain; numbness or tingling in fingers and toes; pain in fingers and toes; muscle pain; stomach cramps; bed-wetting; convulsions or seizures; dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position; lack of sweating; loss of appetite; depression; painful or difficult urination; unconsciousness; unusual decrease or increase in urination; cough; fever, chills or sore throat; sores in mouth or on lips; unusual bleeding or bruising; bloating; diarrhea; weight loss; nausea and vomiting; rash.