Vincristine Liposomal
Cholesterol, Sphingomyelin, Liposomal Solution for injection, Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic Solution for injection, Vincristine Sulfate Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
VINCRISTINE SULFATE LIPOSOME (vin KRIS teen SUL fate LIP uh sohm) is a chemotherapy drug. It slows the growth of cancer cells. This medicine is used to treat a certain type of acute lymphocytic leukemia.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
immune system problems
infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
liver disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
nervous system disease like Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)
stomach or intestine problems
tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder
an unusual or allergic reaction to vincristine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
anti-retroviral protease inhibitors such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir
carbamazepine
clarithromycin
dalfopristin; quinupristin
delavirdine
dexamethasone
isoniazid
itraconazole
ketoconazole
nefazodone
nicardipine
phenytoin
posaconazole
rifabutin
rifampin
rifapentine
St. John's Wort
telithromycin
voriconazole
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
cyclosporine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Men should inform their doctors if they wish to father a child. This medicine may lower sperm counts. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
chest pain or chest tightness
constipation
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
right upper belly pain
signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
diarrhea
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
tiredness
trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert