Vincasar PFS (Vincristine Sulfate Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Vincasar PFS

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Vincasar PFS

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Vincasar PFS^®

vincristine sulfate injection, USP

WARNINGS

VINCASAR PFS (vincristine sulfate injection) Injection should be administered by individuals experienced in the administration of vincristine sulfate.

Caution - It is extremely important that the intravenous needle or catheter be properly positioned before any vincristine is injected. Leakage into surrounding tissue during intravenous administration of VINCASAR PFS (vincristine sulfate injection) may cause considerable irritation. If extravasation occurs, the injection should be discontinued immediately, and any remaining portion of the dose should then be introduced into another vein. Local injection of hyaluronidase and the application of moderate heat to the area of leakage help disperse the drug and are thought to minimize discomfort and the possibility of cellulitis.

FATAL IF GIVEN INTRATHECALLY. FOR INTRAVENOUS USE ONLY.

See WARNINGS section for the treatment of patients given intrathecal VINCASAR PFS (vincristine sulfate injection) .

DRUG DESCRIPTION

VINCASAR PFS^®(vincristine sulfate injection, USP) is the salt of an alkaloid obtained from a common flowering herb, the periwinkle plant (Vinca rosea Linn.). Originally known as leurocristine, it has also been referred to as LCR and VCR.

Vincristine sulfate is a white to slightly yellow, amorphous powder. It is soluble in methanol, freely soluble in water, but only slightly soluble in 95% ethanol. In 98% ethanol, vincristine sulfate has an ultraviolet spectrum with maxima at 221 nm (e+ 47,100).

VINCASAR PFS (vincristine sulfate injection) ^®, a sterile, preservative-free, single use only solution, is available in 1 mg (1 mg/1 mL) and 2 mg (2 mg/2 mL) vials. Each mL contains vincristine sulfate, 1 mg (1.08 mmoL); mannitol, 100 mg; water for injection, q.s. Acetic acid and sodium acetate have been added for pH control. The pH of VINCASAR PFS (vincristine sulfate injection) ranges from 3.5 to 5.5. This product is a sterile solution for cancer/oncolytic use.

What are the possible side effects of vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, mouth pain, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Vincasar PFS »

What are the precautions when taking vincristine sulfate injection (Vincasar PFS)?

Before using vincristine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain type of nerve/muscle disease (demyelinating form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome), radiation treatment to the liver.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other nerve/muscle problems (neuromuscular disease, neuropathy), liver disease, decreased bone marrow function, blood disorders, current...

Read All Potential Precautions of Vincasar PFS »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.