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vincristine - injection, Oncovin

GENERIC NAME: VINCRISTINE - INJECTION (vin-CRISS-teen)

BRAND NAME(S): Oncovin

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This drug is to be given only into a vein (IV). It must not be injected into the spine. Fatal reactions occur if vincristine is injected into the spine.

If vincristine leaks out of the vein into the surrounding area, it may cause serious skin and tissue damage. Tell your health care professional immediately if you experience pain, irritation, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Prompt treatment of the leakage will help reduce discomfort and possible skin damage.

USES: Vincristine is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a cancer chemotherapy drug that is usually used with other chemotherapy drugs to slow or stop cancer cell growth.

HOW TO USE: See also Warning section.This medication is given by injection only into a vein as directed by your doctor. It is given on a schedule usually at weekly intervals or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment. In small children, dosage is also based on weight.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while using this medication. This helps to reduce some of the side effects to the kidneys.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, bloating, stomach/abdominal pain or cramps, mouth sores, dizziness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Vincristine may also affect the nerves in the intestines, causing gut movement to slow down. This effect can result in constipation, which in some cases may become serious. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about how you can prevent constipation (e.g., maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, exercise, choose the right type of laxative with a stool softener, avoid bulk-forming laxatives). Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if you develop constipation.Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.This medication commonly affects the nerves and muscles in your body. Most of these side effects go away after this medication is stopped, however some effects may persist for a long time. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: painful/difficult urination, change in the amount of urine, pain (e.g., in the joints, back, muscles, jaw), numbness/tingling/pain of the arms/legs, weakness, difficulty walking, loss of coordination/balance, inability to move your muscles (e.g., muscles of the face, other parts of your body), drooping eyelids, hoarseness, trouble speaking, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, hallucinations, confusion).Tell your doctor right away if you have any other serious side effects, including: vision/hearing changes, seizures, unusual bleeding/bruising.This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.Trouble breathing may infrequently occur with vincristine treatment, especially when it is given with another chemotherapy drug, mitomycin-C. Patients with lung problems may be more sensitive to this side effect. Long-term treatment of this side effect may be required if it worsens. This effect may occur within minutes to several hours after vincristine is given and up to 2 weeks after the dose of mitomycin-C. Get medical help right away if you have shortness of breath or coughing. If you have this reaction, you should not receive vincristine again.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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