Vincristine Sulfate

Vincristine sulfate: application, side effects and features of use

Vincristine sulfate is a drug from the group of alkaloids and other cytotoxic drugs of plant origin, used to treat various types of cancer and other tumors. The international name of the drug is Vincristine, and is also known by a number of synonyms, including Vero-Vincristine, Vincristine-LENS, Vincristine-Richter, Vincristine-Teva, Vincristine sulfate, Oncocristine, Cytocristine and Cytomide.

The active substance of the drug is Vincristine, which prevents the division and growth of cancer cells by blocking mitosis (the process of division of cell nuclei). Vincristine sulfate is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, rhabdomyosarcoma, bone and soft tissue sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, breast cancer, epithelioma, small cell lung cancer, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and solid tumors in adults as component of chemotherapy.

However, the use of Vincristine sulfate may cause some side effects. This may include abdominal pain, nausea, paralytic ileus, neuropathy, loss of some sensations and tendon reflexes, severe paresthesias, jaw pain, ataxia, decreased muscle strength, cranial nerve lesions, alopecia, mild leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, impaired ADH secretion, polyuria, dysuria and fever.

Also, the interaction of Vincristine with other drugs can cause increased neurotoxicity, an increased likelihood of developing respiratory depression and bronchospasm against the background of mitomycin C, a decrease in the elimination of L-asparaginase and a weakening of the effect of anti-gout drugs.

When using Vincristine sulfate, caution should be exercised and the patient's condition should be monitored. The drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity, bone marrow hypoplasia, diseases of the nervous system, pregnancy and breastfeeding. To prevent acute urate nephropathy, it is necessary to regularly monitor the level of uric acid in the blood plasma and, if necessary, take appropriate measures.

Vincristine sulfate is usually given as a vein injection, subcutaneous injection, or muscle injection. The dosage and regimen of taking the drug are determined by the doctor depending on the type and stage of the disease, age and general condition of the patient.

In general, Vincristine sulfate is an effective anticancer agent, but its use may cause some side effects, so precautions should be taken and the patient's condition monitored during treatment. All decisions about taking the drug must be made by a doctor and are based on the individual characteristics of the patient.