ONCOVIN

Drug Name: ONCOVIN

ONCOVIN DESCRIPTION:
VINCRISTINE - INJECTION (vin-CRISS-teen)

COMMON ONCOVIN BRAND NAME(S):
Oncovin, Vincasar

ONCOVIN SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, loss of weight, diarrhea, rash or bloating are common side effects. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Temporary hair loss is another common side effect; normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Contact your doctor, without delay, if you experience any of the following symptoms: constipation, stomach cramps, lack of sweating, painful or difficult urination, decrease or increase in urination, bed-wetting, joint pain, lower back or side pain, blurred or double vision, difficulty walking, headache, pain in jaw or testicles, pain or numbness in fingers or toes, nervousness, trouble sleeping, confusion, dizziness, fever or chills, hallucinations, loss of appetite, cough, unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, small red spots on the skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ONCOVIN:
ONCOVIN: This is a potent medication. Use it exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience pain, burning or redness at the place where injected. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking ONCOVIN. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects. Check with your doctor before using any medication for stomach cramps or constipation.

ONCOVIN WARNING:
If vincristine accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged. Notify your doctor immediately if you feel pain or irritation at the injection site. Fatalities have occurred when vincristine was injected into the spine. ONCOVIN is for intravenous (IV) use only.

ONCOVIN USES:
Vincristine is one of a large group of drugs known as "antineoplastics"; these drugs are also known as cancer drugs, chemotherapy, or "chemo". They are used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. A combination of different types of cancer drugs will often be used to achieve a greater effect and minimize side effects.

ONCOVIN PRECAUTIONS:
Contraceptive (birth control) measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking ONCOVIN. Vincristine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. It is not known if ONCOVIN passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. ONCOVIN can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.

ONCOVIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of phenytoin, digoxin and itraconazole. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ONCOVIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.

ONCOVIN NOTES:
Regular doctor visits are important to see how well the medication is working and to check for any side effects. Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.

MISSED ONCOVIN DOSE:
Do not double dose if missed. Contact your doctor.

ONCOVIN STORAGE:
Refrigerate piggyback or infusion device. Warm to room temperature before infusing. Check expiration date. Store vial under refrigeration. Protect from light. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.