vincristine sulfate at a glance
Medicine class
Vinca alkaloid chemotherapy
How it is given
Into a vein by an oncology professional
Key toxicity
Nerve damage can cause tingling, pain, weakness or walking difficulties
Practical concern
Constipation is common and may need preventive treatment
What is vincristine sulfate used for?
Licensed uses alone or with other anticancer treatments include:
Leukaemias, including acute lymphocytic, chronic lymphocytic and acute myeloid leukaemia
Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas
Multiple myeloma
Selected solid tumours, including breast, small-cell lung, head and neck cancers, and soft-tissue sarcomas
Childhood solid tumours including Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, retinoblastoma and medulloblastoma
True idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura after splenectomy and corticosteroid treatment have failed; it is not a primary treatment
How does vincristine sulfate work?
Vincristine binds to tubulin and disrupts microtubules, preventing susceptible cells from completing division. Nerve cells can also be affected.
vincristine sulfate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 1 mg/mL
How to take vincristine sulfate
Vincristine sulfate is administered in hospital by staff experienced with cytotoxic treatment.
It is given into a vein and must never be injected into the spine, muscle or under the skin.
Report pain, burning or swelling around the cannula or line immediately, as leakage can damage tissue.
It is not taken by mouth.
The oncology team may provide preventive treatment for constipation.
vincristine sulfate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Constipation or abdominal cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Reduced appetite
- Hair loss
- Numbness, tingling or nerve pain
- Muscle weakness or wasting
- Anaemia, reduced platelets or other blood-cell changes
- Jaw or throat pain
Get urgent medical advice
- Fever, shivering, confusion or rapid deterioration suggesting serious infection or sepsis
- New or worsening weakness, walking difficulty, paralysis or seizures
- Severe constipation, abdominal swelling or vomiting suggesting bowel obstruction
- Severe breathlessness, bronchospasm or chest pain
- Severe allergic reaction
- Pain or swelling at the infusion site from possible leakage outside the vein
- New hearing, sight, speech or significant bladder problems
vincristine sulfate in pregnancy
Vincristine can harm a developing baby, and human pregnancy data are limited. Discuss pregnancy, suspected pregnancy or plans to conceive promptly with the oncology team. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for the product-specified period afterwards.
vincristine sulfate while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not advised during treatment because serious effects in a nursing infant are possible. Product information advises avoiding breastfeeding until one month after the final administration; confirm timing with the oncology and maternity teams, especially if other treatments are used.
vincristine sulfate interactions
The oncology team should review prescription, non-prescription and herbal products before treatment.
Azole antifungals, including itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole and fluconazole
May raise vincristine exposure and substantially increase nerve toxicity, seizures and bowel paralysis.
Isoniazid and other neurotoxic medicines
Nerve toxicity may be additive.
Phenytoin
Combinations containing vincristine may lower phenytoin concentrations and increase seizure risk.
Common questions about vincristine sulfate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is vincristine sulfate chemotherapy?
Yes. It is a vinca alkaloid chemotherapy that prevents susceptible cells from completing division.
Can vincristine sulfate be taken by mouth?
No. The licensed product is administered only into a vein by trained staff.
Why must it never be injected into the spine?
Injection into the spine can cause paralysis, devastating neurological injury and death.
What should I do if it stings during administration?
Tell the nurse immediately. Leakage outside the vein can damage surrounding tissue.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.