Vincristine: how to take it safely
Oncovin
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats leukaemia, lymphoma and some solid tumours, often in children.
How to take it
It is given by a cancer nurse or doctor, by drip into a vein. Your blood tests are checked before each cycle.
When to take it
Given by drip into a vein by a cancer nurse or doctor, as your specialist plans.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- It must only ever be given into a vein. It can be fatal if given into the spine or by mouth. Check with the staff that it is given correctly.
- Constipation. Eat fibre and drink fluids.
- Tell your team if you have nerve problems or liver problems.
- Leakage of the drip into the skin. Tell the nurse if the drip site hurts.
- Pregnancy and fathering a child during treatment. Use reliable contraception and ask your team how long to continue it.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Constipation, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, jaw pain, hair loss, tiredness.
Get help if
Severe constipation or belly pain, severe numbness or weakness, trouble walking, drooping eyelids, fever or signs of infection: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.