Vincristine liposome

Generic name: vincristine liposome [ vin-KRIS-teen-LYE-poe-some ]
Brand name: Marqibo
Dosage form: intravenous kit (5 mg/31 mL)
Drug class: Mitotic inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 3, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is vincristine liposome?

Vincristine liposome is used to treat a type of blood cancer called Philadelphia chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Vincristine liposome is given after at least two other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Vincristine liposome may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Vincristine liposome side effects

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

Vincristine liposome may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe constipation, stomach pain, bloating;

• severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

• numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

• severe tiredness;

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, cough, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or

• signs of tumor cell breakdown--tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.

Common side effects of vincristine liposome may include:

• fever, low blood cell counts;

• tiredness;

• numbness, tingling;

• diarrhea, constipation,

• nausea, loss of appetite; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not use vincristine liposome if you have Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome or other conditions that cause damage to myelin (protective covering of the nerves in your brain and spinal cord).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use vincristine liposome if you are allergic to it, or if you have Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome or other conditions that cause damage to myelin (protective covering of the nerves in your brain and spinal cord).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• a nerve-muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy;

• a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus; or

• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome.

Vincristine liposome may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using vincristine liposome. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby. Follow your doctor's instructions about when you can start breastfeeding again after your treatment ends.

How is vincristine liposome given?

Vincristine liposome is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once a week. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

vincristine liposome must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when vincristine liposome is injected.

Vincristine liposome can cause severe constipation. You may be given medication to prevent constipation while you are receiving this medicine. Use all medications as directed by your doctor.

Avoid constipation by a eating fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber. Drink plenty of fluids.

Vincristine liposome can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Vincristine liposome dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia:

2.25 mg/m2 IV over 1 hour once every 7 days

Use: Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in second or greater relapse or whose disease has progressed following 2 or more anti-leukemia therapies. This indication is based on overall response rate. Clinical benefit such as improvement in overall survival has not been verified.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your vincristine liposome injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving vincristine liposome?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how vincristine liposome will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect vincristine liposome?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect vincristine liposome, especially:

• nefazodone;

• St. John's wort;

• an antibiotic--clarithromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, telithromycin;

• antifungal medicine--itraconazole, ketoconazole;

• antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS--efavirenz, indinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, tipranavir;

• cancer medicine--apalutamide, enzalutamide, mitotane;

• heart or blood pressure medication--amiodarone, dronedarone, quinidine, ranolazine, verapamil;

• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection--cyclosporine, tacrolimus;

• seizure medicine--carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, primidone; or

• steroid medicine--dexamethasone, prednisone.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect vincristine liposome. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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