Introduction

Vincristine Sulfate Liposome (vin-KRIS-teen SUL-fate LYE-poh-some)

Treats Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine is usually given every 7 days.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using St John's wort, dexamethasone (Decadron®), nefazodone (Serzone®), medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, Dilantin®, Luminal®, Tegretol®), medicine to treat infection (such as clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, telithromycin, voriconazole, Biaxin®, Nizoral®, Rifadin®), or medicine to treat HIV infection (such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Crixivan®, Norvir®, Reyataz®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding or if you have liver problems, bowel problems (blockage, constipation), or nerve or muscle problems (neuropathy).
• This medicine commonly causes nerve problems. Call your doctor if you have any symptoms of nerve damage, such as numbness, pain, burning, tingling, or muscle spasms, or if you feel more sensitive or less sensitive to touch, pain, heat, or cold.
• This medicine may damage the skin and cause scars if it accidentally leaks out of the vein where it is injected. Tell your doctor if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site.
• This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
• This medicine may cause a serious reaction called tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Call your doctor if you have a change in how much or how often you urinate, change in your heartbeat, rapid weight gain, muscle or joint pain, swelling of the feet or lower legs, or tiredness.
• You might have severe constipation, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. To prevent constipation, your doctor may tell you to take laxatives, drink fluids, or increase the fiber in your diet. Follow the directions carefully to prevent severe constipation.
• Call your doctor if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.
• This medicine may cause numbness, tiredness, or a tingling sensation. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Increased or decreased sensitivity to heat, cold, or pain
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Muscle or joint pain, pain in your jaw or head
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Rapid weight gain, swelling of your feet or lower legs
• Severe constipation or stomach pain
• Severe tiredness or weakness
• Trouble walking or holding things, slapping or dropping of the front part of your foot when walking
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Disclaimers

• The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
• A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
• Call 911 for all medical emergencies.
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