Vincristine Injection (VINCRISTINE - INJECTION)

For treating cancer.

Brand Name(s): Vincasar

Generic Name: Vincristine

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

Keep medicine in refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

Keep the medicine in its original container.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

You must be monitored by a health care professional during and after each dose is given.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

To reduce constipation, eat high fiber foods, drink plenty of water and exercise.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.

Rarely, this medicine may cause serious injury at the site of injection. Call your doctor right away if you notice any pain, swelling, blisters, sores, lumps under the skin, or scabbing at the injection site.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • hair loss
  • headaches
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • back pain
  • loss of balance
  • bleeding or bruising
  • chest or jaw pain
  • changes in memory, mood, or thinking
  • confusion
  • constipation
  • cough that does not go away
  • depression or feeling sad
  • drooping or swollen eyelids
  • fever or chills
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • hearing loss
  • unusual or long-lasting hoarseness
  • pain, redness, swelling near injection
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • mouth sores or irritation
  • joint or muscle pain
  • inability to move
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • sore throat
  • difficulty speaking
  • unsteadiness while walking
  • difficulty or discomfort urinating
  • urinating less often
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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