About vincristine
Vinca alkaloid chemotherapy medicine
Used for
- Treats acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and other blood cancers
- Treats lymphomas and some solid tumours
- Used in combination chemotherapy regimens
Usual adult dose
Usually 1.4 mg/m² intravenously once weekly; maximum 2 mg per dose, adjusted for the treatment regimen.
Usual dose in children
Usually 1.5–2 mg/m² intravenously once weekly; maximum 2 mg per dose, adjusted for the regimen.
Common side effects
- Constipation and abdominal pain
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness from nerve damage
- Hair loss
- Low blood cell counts
Important warnings
- For intravenous use only; injection into the spinal fluid can be fatal.
- Must be administered by trained clinicians using a chemotherapy protocol.
- Can cause serious nerve damage and severe constipation or bowel obstruction.
- Dose may need adjustment with liver problems or interacting medicines.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Pregnancy prevention and specialist guidance are important during treatment.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment because of potential serious harm to the infant.
Interactions
- Strong CYP3A inhibitors, such as itraconazole, may increase toxicity.
- Strong CYP3A inducers, such as phenytoin, may reduce or alter effects.
- Other medicines that damage nerves can worsen nerve toxicity.
- Live vaccines may cause serious infection during chemotherapy.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.