VINCRISTINE sulfate, 1mg/ml, 1ml, vial
Valid Article
VINCRISTINE
- In the WHO list of Essential Medicines 2025 (Complementary List)
Therapeutic Action
Antimitotic cytotoxic medicine
Indications
Treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV patients, in combination with bleomycine
Instructions for use
Must only be given as IV infusion in 0.9% NaCl or 5% dextrose.
Ensure that the IV catheter is properly positioned in the vein before administering vincristine. Leakage into surrounding tissue during administration may cause severe pain and significant local tissue irritation.
After administration of vincristine, flush the vein to prevent vessel irritation.
The two presentations (1 or 2 ml) are interchangeable according to availability when ordering.
Bleomycin, another cytotoxic medicine, should be systematically ordered together with vincristine, as they must be used in combination.
Precautions for Use
Administer by IV route only, fatal if given by other routes.
Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Dangerous substance for staff handling it.
- Cytotoxic drugs must not be handled or administered by pregnant staff members.
- Staff must be properly trained and must follow Standard Precautions during preparation, reconstitution, dispensation, stock management and disposal. This includes wearing gloves, gown with long sleeves, protective glasses, respirator, etc.
(See introduction: Cytotoxic drugs in the MSF Supply Chain)
Storage
- Keep refrigerated between 2ºC and 8ºC - Protect from sunlight
- Do not freeze.
- After dilution, use the solution immediately.