Has your doctor told you or someone in your family to start a drug called Vincristine because of cancer? It's very normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear the word 'chemotherapy'. But if we are properly informed about this drug, that fear and uncertainty can be reduced to a great extent. So today, let's talk about this drug called Vincristine, as simply as if we were talking to a friend.
What exactly is Vincristine?
Simply put, Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug that controls or slows down the growth of cancer cells. Cancer cells in our body are a type of cell that divides and grows rapidly without control. So what this drug does is put a brake on that rapid growth.
This medicine is specifically used to treat a type of leukemia called acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). You may know this medicine by the brand name `Marqibo`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
This is very important. It is very important for the success of the treatment and for your safety that the medical team is aware of any other medical conditions you have. Therefore, if you have any of the following, do not hide anything and tell your doctor.
- Weak immune system: If your body's ability to resist disease is low.
- Current infections: Any type of fever, cough, or cold, especially viral infections like chickenpox and herpes.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Low blood cell count: If there are low levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in the blood.
- Nervous system diseases: For example, if you have a disease like Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) or another neurological disease.
- Digestive system problems: If there is any problem with the intestines or stomach.
- Numbness in the limbs: If you have nerve weakness, such as numbness in the fingertips.
- Allergies: If you have ever had an allergy to this Vincristine medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a nursing mother.
Giving this information to your doctor will help him choose the most appropriate and safest treatment option for you.
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein, like saline. This is not something you can do at home. This treatment is given by trained medical staff in a hospital or clinic . So there is no need to worry about it.
If you are giving this medicine to a child, special care may be needed. Talk to your child's doctor about this.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is unlikely to happen in a hospital setting. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed on a medication, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or, contact the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
This is also very important. Some medications you are taking can affect the effectiveness of Vincristine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
In particular, if you are taking any of the following medications, you should definitely tell your doctor. Your doctor may temporarily stop or change your medication.
- Carbamazepine
- Clarithromycin
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
- St. John's Wort
- Some medications for HIV/AIDS (e.g. ritonavir, indinavir)
This list is not complete, so it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking .
Things to consider during treatment
- Feeling unwell: It is normal to feel a little unwell or tired during chemotherapy. This is because the drugs affect cancer cells as well as some of our healthy cells. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. But do not stop your treatment until your doctor tells you to.
- Blood tests: You will need to have regular blood tests to check your blood counts during treatment.
- Constipation: This medication can cause constipation. So, make sure you have a bowel movement every 2 to 3 days. If you have not had a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor immediately.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important.
- Women: Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping treatment.
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while you are taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment.
- This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby. Also, do not breastfeed your baby during treatment and for a week after stopping treatment.
- Effects on fertility: This medication may have some effect on fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it openly.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But these don't happen to everyone. Only some people get them. Let's see what they are.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to the doctor or hospital immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, feeling of tightness in the chest. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite. |
| Symptoms of low platelet count | Unexplained bruising, small red spots on the skin, and black stools. |
| Symptoms of low red blood cells (anemia) | Feeling very tired, fatigued, pale, and faint. |
| Pain or numbness in the limbs | Pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms and legs. |
| Things to inform the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Tiredness | General fatigue. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
Take-Home Message
- Vincristine is a powerful chemotherapy drug that controls the growth of cancer cells. It is given in a hospital under medical supervision.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and other medical conditions you are taking.
- Constipation is a major side effect of this medication. Be aware of this and tell your doctor if you don't have a bowel movement for 3 days.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as allergies, difficulty breathing, or fever, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding completely during treatment and for as long as your doctor recommends.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. They are there to help you.
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