Vincristine (Oncovin®)

 

This is the ‘O’ in the CHOP chemotherapy regime

 

Possible side effects

 

Abdominal cramps and constipation.

It usually helps to drink plenty of fluids, eat a high fiber diet and take gentle exercise. Sometimes you may need to take medicines to stimulate your bowel. These can be prescribed by your doctor.

 

Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.

This is due to the effect of vincristine on nerves and is known as peripheral neuropathy. You may also notice that you have difficulty doing up buttons or similar fiddly tasks. Tell your doctor if you notice any numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. This usually improves slowly a few months after the treatment is finished.

 

 

Less Common Side Effects

 

Hair loss.

Hair may thin, or occasionally be lost completely. If this happens it usually begins about 3-4 weeks after starting treatment, although it may occur earlier. It is temporary, and the hair will regrow once the treatment is finished.

 

Temporary taste changes.

A dietician or specialist nurse at your hospital can give advice.

 

Tiredness and weakness.

It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest, and recover from the effects.

 

Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.

This can result in anemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. The number of blood cells in your blood may begin to reduce from about seven days after the treatment has been given and usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually return to normal within 21-28 days.

The extent to which your blood cells are reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your doctor can advise you how likely it is that your blood cells will be lowered by the chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is working.

 

Temperature

If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even if you have a normal temperature, contact your doctor or the hospital straight away.

 

Additional Information

 

If vincristine leaks into the tissue around the vein it can damage the tissue in that area. If you notice any stinging or burning around the vein while the drug is being given, or any leakage of fluid from the cannula site it is very important that you tell the doctor or nurse.

If the area around the injection site becomes red or swollen at any time you should either tell the doctor or nurse on the ward, or if you are at home, ring the clinic or ward and ask to speak to the doctor or nurse.

 

Some other medicines can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy. Always tell your doctor about any other medicine you are taking.

 

Fertility.

Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. Discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.

 

Contraception.

It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking vincristine, as vincristine may harm the developing fetus. It is important to use effective contraception whilst taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.

 

 

 

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