Vinlieva 1 Injection

Description of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

One of the antineoplastic drugs that fall under the class of vinca alkaloids is vincristine, which is a constituent of Vinlieva 1 mg injection. It is based on the periwinkle plant, and it is commonly applied in the treatment of different hematological and solid malignancies. Vincristine acts by disrupting cell division which requires cell division through formation of microtubules. It interferes with the process of mitosis causing cancer cells to multiply and die. It is principally active at the M-phase of the cell cycle.

Indications of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

Vinlieva is applied in the treatment of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer affecting the lymph nodes located in the lymph nodes, Hodgkin lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Neuroblastoma.

Mechanism of action of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

Vincristine attaches to the tubulin protein and prevents the establishment of microtubules that are required in the establishment of the mitotic spindle during cell division. This interference inhibits the separation of chromosomes and traps the cell cycle at the M-phase which eventually causes the cell death.

How to consume Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

Use of vincristine is given at a very close supervision as an intravenous injection. This should not be administered intrathecally because this may be lethal. It is administered in combination chemotherapy in cycles in the form of a dosage depending on body surface area.

Side Effects of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

1. Common side effects

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Nausea

2. Serious side effects

• Severe neurotoxicity
• Paralysis
• SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion)
• Bone marrow suppression (less common compared to others)

3. Rare side effects

• Seizures
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions

Safety Advice for Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

Vincristine is a drug that affects the nervous system mostly and this is why the patient should be monitored to verify the existence of any neurological symptoms. The onset of such signs as the tingling or numbness must be reported to promptly.

Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is contraindicated with Vincristine since it would be absorbed into the breast milk and cause the baby to develop an adverse effect.

Pregnancy: Should not be used because it may cause damage to the fetus.

Alcohol: Drinking is to be avoided because it can increase neurological and liver stress.

Liver: The patient who has hepatic impairment should have his dose adjusted and closely monitored as Vincristine is metabolized in the liver.

Lungs: There should be only any difficulty in breathing, but pulmonary toxicity is uncommon.

Kidney: Renal monitoring is recommended, but the involvement of the kidney is less significant.

Driving: Patients can feel dizzy, weak, or have neuropathy, therefore driving is not possible.

Interaction of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

• Drug–Drug Interaction

Azole antifungals (e.g., Itraconazole) × Vincristine
May increase the levels of Vincristine by inhibiting metabolism which leads to severe neurotoxicity.

Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., Erythromycin) × Vincristine
May increase drug levels and toxicity.

Phenytoin × Vincristine
Vincristine may reduce phenytoin levels, decreasing seizure control.

Other neurotoxic drugs × Vincristine
May increase risk of peripheral neuropathy.

Live vaccines × Vincristine
Should be avoided due to immunosuppression.

• Drug–Food Interaction

None of the food-interaction is significant, although it is important to be well-nourished. Grapefruit juice is unsuitable because it can be used to alter the metabolism and raise the levels of drugs.

• Drug–Disease Interaction of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

Neurological disorders:

Vicristine may also aggravate neuropathy and neurological symptoms particularly in individuals who have a nerve disorder.

Liver disease:

Due to decreased liver function, the level of drugs and toxicity may increase because of decreased metabolism.

Constipation or gastrointestinal disorders:

Vincristine has the potential of aggravating constipation and in severe cases, paralytic ileus could result.

Infections:

Immunosuppression is less myelosuppressive but still could put people at risk of infection.

Contraindication of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

Should not be used in a state of hypersensitivity and in patients with severe neurological disorders. Strict contraindications are intrathecal administration.

Dosage of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

Its dosage is depending on the body surface area and is given in combination therapy in cycles and intravenously. Adjustments of dose might be needed due to toxicity.

Storage of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

Keep in the recommended conditions, away of light and heat and out of the reach of the children.

Missed Dose of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

In case of a missed dose, one should take the dose within the shortest time possible under the supervision of a doctor.

Other General Information of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

Early symptoms of neuropathy tingling, numbness or weakness are to be reported by the patients. Frequent follow-up should be done to assess neurological condition and response to treatment.

FAQs of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

1. What is the mechanism of Vincristine neurotoxicity?

It disrupts the functioning of microtubules which are necessary in nerve functioning as well as cell division.

2. Why not to be intrathecally?

Neurotoxicity that is fatal may occur when it is administered intrathecally.

3. Does Vincristine produce constipation?

Yes, because it has an impact on nerve supply to the gastrointestinal tract.

4. What is the importance of liver monitoring?

Due to the metabolism of the drug in the liver, and toxicity may be augmented by impairment.

5. Is neuropathy reversible?

In most instances it will get better once the drug is stopped but in extreme incidences it may not.

Fact Box of Vinlieva 1 mg (Vincristine 1 mg) injection

References

• FDA Prescribing Information – Vincristine
  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/008141s083lbl.pdf
• European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Vincristine Product Information
  https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/vincristine-epar-product-information_en.pdf
• DrugBank – Vincristine
  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00541
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) – Vincristine
  https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/vincristine