Even when we hear the word "cancer," we are filled with fear. And when we talk about chemotherapy , that fear can be even greater. But in reality, this treatment is one of the most powerful weapons we have in our hands to fight the enemy called cancer . So today we are going to talk about one such powerful anti -cancer drug, the Vincristine vaccine. Being well-informed about this will give you great strength to face this battle.
Simply put, what is Vincristine?
Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug. Its main function is to control the growth of cancer cells , or slow them down. Cancer cells in our body are cells that divide very quickly and spread without control. So what this drug does is stop that rapid division.
This drug is used to treat many different types of cancer . Here are a few examples:
- Hodgkin's disease
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Neuroblastoma (a type of brain cancer)
- Rhabdomyosarcoma ( soft tissue cancer)
- Wilms' tumor (a kidney-related cancer)
Your doctor may also recommend this medicine for other types of cancer that are not on this list. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor openly.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting this treatment, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your complete health history . Be sure to mention any of the conditions below if you have any.
- If there is any disease in the blood .
- If you have gout .
- If you currently have an infection , especially chickenpox or herpes.
- If you have any kidney disease .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have any lung disease .
- If you have a condition such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) or a disease of the nervous system .
- If you have recently undergone radiation therapy or are currently undergoing such treatment.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to vincristine or any other chemotherapy drug, any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child .
Saying these things openly is very important for your safety as well as the success of your treatment.
How can I give you this medicine?
Vincristine is not a medication that you can take home. It is an injection that is given as an infusion through a vein, similar to saline . This treatment is given in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nursing staff who is specially trained for this.
Very important: If you experience any pain, swelling, burning , or any unusual sensation at or around the injection site, tell the doctor or nurse who is giving you the treatment right away. This is very important.
Special precautions must be taken when giving this medicine to young children. Therefore, if you are giving this treatment to a child, discuss it thoroughly with your pediatrician and seek advice.
What if the medication dose increases?
Since this is a hospital-administered medication, the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to attend your chemotherapy treatment on time. If for some reason you are unable to attend your scheduled treatment, call your doctor immediately and let them know.
Things to consider when undergoing treatment
It's normal to feel a little uncomfortable and lethargic when undergoing chemotherapy. This is because these drugs affect not only cancer cells, but also healthy cells that divide rapidly in our bodies (for example, hair cells, digestive tract cells). This is why side effects occur.
- Report any problems: Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience.
- Do not stop treatment: No matter how difficult it is, do not stop the course of treatment until your doctor tells you to.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will order regular blood tests to check your blood levels during treatment. Don't miss them.
- Constipation: Constipation is a very common side effect of this medication. Try to have a bowel movement at least once every 2-3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement after 3 days, be sure to talk to your doctor.
- Avoid pregnancy: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. This can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding during this time.
- Effects on fertility: This medication may affect women's ability to get pregnant and men's ability to father children. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Let's talk about side effects now.
Like any medicine, vincristine has side effects. Don't be alarmed by these. Not everyone gets all of them. Being aware of these will help you take action quickly if something happens.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor as soon as possible. | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, cough. |
| Nervous system changes | Numbness in the limbs, pain, difficulty speaking or walking, loss of balance, seizures. |
| Gastrointestinal | Severe constipation, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores. |
| Other | Pain, swelling, redness at the injection site. Difficulty urinating or change in the amount of urine. Muscle weakness. |
| Things that are common but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|---|---|
| Hair loss | This is a common condition. Hair will grow back after treatment is complete. |
| Anorexia | Decreased desire to eat. |
| Jaw pain | Jaw pain. |
| Diarrhea | Abdominal distension. |
Take-Home Message
- Vincristine is a powerful chemotherapy drug that controls the growth of cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your health information and the medications you are taking.
- This medicine is given in the hospital by trained medical staff, so you don't have to take it home.
- Be aware of side effects such as constipation, numbness in the limbs, and pain at the injection site. If you have any concerns, tell your doctor immediately.
- Do not miss scheduled treatment appointments. If you miss an appointment, inform your doctor.
- Cancer treatment is a challenging journey. But you are not alone. Your doctor, family, and friends are with you. Face this with courage.
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