Vincasar PFS ratings & reviews

Vincasar PFS contains the active ingredient Vincristine Sulfate in the form of an injection. It is part of the alkaloid drug class obtained from the periwinkle plant. This formulation is a sterile, preservative-free solution for intravenous use, available in strengths of 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/2 mL. Key inactive ingredients include mannitol and water, with sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide for pH control.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High uric acid level—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, change in vision, confusion or trouble speaking, loss of balance or coordination, trouble walking, seizures
• Painful swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin, blisters or sores at the infusion site
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach cramping
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Infection
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low white blood cell levels
• Lung disease
• Nervous system disease, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)
• Recent or ongoing radiation therapy
• An unusual or allergic reaction to vincristine, other chemotherapy agents, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Live virus vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Medications for fungal infections, such as itraconazole or fluconazole
• Phenytoin
• Supplements, such as St. John's wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.

You may need blood work while taking this medication.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medication will cause constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your care team.

Call your care team if you are around anyone with measles, chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication

Talk to your care team if you or your partner wish to become pregnant or think either of you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

Skin and tissue damage may occur if this medicine leaks into the area around the needle site. You may feel pain, burning, or stinging if this occurs. There may be swelling or visible changes in the color of the skin. Let your healthcare provider know if you notice any unusual reactions. Immediate treatment can reduce skin or tissue damage. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely during the infusion.

This medicine should only be given by a healthcare provider who has experience in the use of cancer drugs.