Vincristine (Oncovin)

Please read this information in conjunction with our general information on chemotherapy, and with the information in relation to your specific type of cancer.

What is vincristine ?
What does it look like ?
How is it given?
Side effects
Less common side effects
Additional information
References

What is Vincristine (Oncovin) ?

Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of various types of cancer. It may used as a treatment on its own or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. It is most commonly used in the treatment of leukaemia, lymphoma, sarcoma, breast and small cell lung cancer.

What does it look like?

It is a colourless fluid when dissolved from a powder.

How is it given?

It is given as an injection (intravenous) into a peripheral cannula or via a central line.

Side effects

The side effects mentioned below may not affect everyone, as each patient's;s reaction to chemotherapy is different. It will also depend on how many chemotherapy drugs you are receiving. If you experience any side effects that you think are related to your chemotherapy, please discuss them with your oncology doctor or chemotherapy nurse.

Constipation

Vincristine causes constipation. You will be advised to maintain a high fibre and high fluid diet. You may need to take laxatives. Inform your doctor or nurse if you experience this symptom.

Neurological effects

These can include numbness of the hands or feet, headaches, convulsions, tingling of the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy) and loss of deep tendon reflexes. It is important to inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. If you continue to feel sick it is important to inform your doctor. For more information on peripheral neuropathy, please see our factsheet.

Nausea and vomiting

Vincristine   can make you feel sick nausea or to to be sick vomit  . It may occur a few hours after you receive your first dose of treatment and can last for a number of days. Your doctor will prescribe some medications to prevent this anti-emetics . 

Sore Mouth

You may develop a sore mouth or ulcers due to your chemotherapy. You will be prescribed some mouthwashes. Inform your doctor or nurse if your mouth becomes sore or you develop ulcers. You may also experience some taste changes, which will resolve after you finish your treatment.

Fatigue

You may feel very tired. This can last for a few months after your treatment. Inform your doctor or nurse of how you are feeling.

Less common side-effects

Hair loss (alopecia)

You may loose all your hair or it may just thin out. This usually happens after your first course of chemotherapy. This is temporary and your hair will grow back.

Changes to the kidneys

Vincristine can cause some changes to your kidneys. You will have regular blood tests taken to monitor your kidney function. It can lower one of the chemicals in your blood called sodium. This can cause seizures. If this occurs you may be put on a fluid restriction to help your sodium level get back to normal.

Infection

You will be more prone to infection as vincristine affects your white cell production from the bone marrow. This effect usually occurs about 10-14 days after your chemotherapy. You will have blood tests to check your levels before every chemotherapy dose to ensure your blood levels have returned to normal. Occasionally your treatment may be delayed until your blood levels come back to normal. If you notice any signs of infection visit your doctor for assessment.

Bruising

Vincristine can also affect the production of platelets, which can cause bleeding or bruising. Inform your doctor if you notice any unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Anaemia

You may feel lethargic and breathless due to a reduction in your red cells caused by vincristine. Inform your doctor if you are feeling these effects.

Diarrhoea

If Diarrhoea occurs it can be easily controlled with medicine. It is important to drink plenty of fluid if you experience diarrhoea and to inform your doctor or nurse.

Additional information

Fertility

It is important to discuss this with your doctor as vincristine may affect your fertility.

Contraception

It is important to use a reliable form of contraception while you are on treatment and for at least two years after your treatment has completed. It is not advised to get pregnant or father a child while on treatment as the drugs may affect the foetus.

Other medications

It is important to inform your doctor of any medications that you are taking, including over the counter medications or herbal drugs as they can interfere with some chemotherapy drugs.

References

• The Chemotherapy Source Book (2nd edition). M. Perry, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 1997.
• British National Formulary (53rd edition). British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, March 2007.
• Cancer Chemotherapy Handbook. T. Dorr and W.L. Fritz, Kimpton Medical Publications, London, 1980.
• Handbook of Chemotherapy in Clinical Oncology (2nd edition). E. Cvitkovic, J.P. Droz, J.P. Armand and S. Khoury, Scientific Communication International Ltd, 1993.
• The Cytotoxics Handbook (3rd edition). M. Allwood, A. Stanley and P. Wright, Radcliffe Medical Press, Oxford and New York, 1997.

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