What safety measures should you take when your child is using vincristine?
If vincristine leaks out of the vein through which it is being given, it can cause severe damage. Tell the nurse right away if you or your child notice redness, pain, or swelling at the place of injection.
Vincristine commonly causes constipation and stomach cramps. It is important that your child keep their bowels moving. Your doctor may want your child to take a stool softener or laxative to prevent complications that may be caused by constipation. Be sure to tell the doctor if your child has not had a bowel movement for several days.
Vincristine may cause tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes. If your child is complaining of this, let the doctor know. Tell the doctor if your child seems to be having difficulty walking or trouble with buttons, writing, or picking up small objects. Your child should also be careful when handling items that are sharp, hot, or cold.
Your child should not receive any immunizations (vaccines) without your child's doctor's approval. Your child or anyone else in your household should not get oral polio vaccine while your child is being treated for cancer. Tell your child's doctor if anyone in your household has recently received oral polio vaccine. Your child should avoid contact with anyone who has recently received this vaccine. Other live vaccines that your child should not get include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and chicken pox vaccine.
There is a chance that vincristine may cause birth defects if it is taken at the time of conception or if it is taken during pregnancy. If your child is sexually active, it is best that she use some kind of birth control while receiving vincristine. Tell the doctor right away if your child may be pregnant.
Your child may lose their hair. It will grow back once your child is no longer receiving vincristine. Its colour and texture may change. Use a gentle shampoo and a soft brush.
Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicines (prescription, non-prescription, herbal, or natural products).
