Vincristine Liposome Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 13, 2024.

Applies to vincristine liposome: intravenous suspension.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (suspension)

VinCRIStine sulfate liposome is for IV use only and is fatal if given by other routes.

Death has occurred with intrathecal use.

VinCRIStine sulfate liposome injection has different dosage recommendations than vinCRIStine sulfate injection.

Verify drug name and dose before preparation and administration to avoid overdosage.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, vincristine liposome may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking vincristine liposome:

More common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision
• burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
• chest pain or tightness
• chills
• confusion
• cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fever
• lack or loss of strength
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• rapid breathing
• severe constipation
• severe vomiting
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stomach pain
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• bone pain
• change in muscle reflexes
• coughing up blood
• dark urine
• headache
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• light-colored stools
• muscle pain or weakness
• stomach pain, continuing
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• vomiting
• weakness of the muscles in your face
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects

Some side effects of vincristine liposome may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• anxiety
• mental depression
• nightmares or unusually vivid dreams

Incidence not known

• redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site

For healthcare professionals

Applies to vincristine liposome: intravenous kit.

General adverse events

Side effects that have resulted in non-leukemia related deaths: Brain infarct, intracerebral hemorrhage, liver failure, multisystem organ failure, pneumonia and septic shock, respiratory failure, pulmonary hemorrhage, sudden cardiac death^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (52%), diarrhea (37%), decreased appetite (33%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, abdominal pain, ileus/colonic pseudo-obstruction^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, cardiac arrest, vascular disorder^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Febrile neutropenia (38%), neutropenia (31.3%), anemia (34%), thrombocytopenia (16.9%)
• Frequency not reported: Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Increased aspartate aminotransferase, tumor lysis syndrome^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Asthenia, muscular weakness, musculoskeletal pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral neuropathy (39%), insomnia (32%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral sensory and motor neuropathy, decreased vibratory sense, facial palsy, hyporeflexia, asthenia^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Pyrexia (15%), fatigue (12%)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Mental status changes^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Respiratory distress, respiratory failure, pneumonia^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Septic shock, staphylococcal bacteremia^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Extravasation tissue injury^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Hepatic toxicity^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Very common (10% or more): Pyrexia (43%), fatigue (41%)
• Frequency not reported: Pain, septic shock, staphylococcal bacteremia^[Ref]

Further information

Vincristine liposome side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer