vincristine liposomal

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

vincristine liposomal exerts its primary action by inhibiting microtubule formation, which is essential for cell division. It binds to tubulin, a protein involved in microtubule assembly, disrupting the microtubule network. This interference with microtubule function results in mitosis (cell division) inhibition in rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. 

By interfering with the normal functioning of microtubules, vincristine liposomal disrupts cellular processes necessary for cell growth and proliferation. This inhibits tumor cell growth and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. 

Spectrum: 

vincristine liposomal is commonly used to treat hematological malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and some leukemias. It can be part of combination chemotherapy regimens for these conditions. vincristine liposomal may also treat certain solid tumors, such as neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, especially in pediatric patients. It is sometimes used with other chemotherapy agents or as part of multi-modal treatment approaches. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined 

>10% 

Lymphatic system disorders (56.6%) 

Neuropathy (32.5%) 

Infections (39.8%) 

Respiratory thoracic and mediastinal disorders (20.5%) 

Febrile neutropenia (31.3%) 

Investigations (24.1%) 

Peripheral sensory and motor neuropathy (16.7%) 

Anemia (16.9%) 

Gastrointestinal disorders (25.3%) 

Neutropenia (18.1%) 

Thrombocytopenia (16.9%) 

Pyrexia (14.5%) 

Psychiatric disorders (10.8%) 

Fatigue (12%) 

Cardiac disorders (10.8%) 

1-10% 

Vascular disorders (9.6%) 

Musculoskeletal disorders (8.4%) 

Pain (8.4%) 

Abdominal pain (8.4%) 

Renal and urinary disorders (7.2%) 

Cardiac arrest (6%) 

Hypotension (6%) 

Pneumonia (8.4) 

Increased aspartate aminotransferase (7.2%) 

Ileus, colonic pseudo-obstruction (6%) 

Respiratory distress (6%) 

Septic shock (6%) 

Staphylococcal bacteremia (6%) 

Constipation (4.8%) 

Mental status changes (3.6%) 

Muscular weakness (1.2%) 

Asthenia (4.8%) 

Respiratory failure (4.8%) 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Neurological disorders 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Renal impairment 
• Bone marrow suppression 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Few data are available regarding the usage of drug during pregnancy.  

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

vincristine liposomal exerts its pharmacological effects primarily through its interaction with tubulin, a protein involved in microtubule formation. It binds to tubulin dimers, inhibiting their polymerization into microtubules. This disruption of microtubule dynamics leads to cell cycle arrest during metaphase, preventing cell division and inhibiting tumor growth. vincristine liposomal is classified as an antineoplastic or cytotoxic agent. It selectively targets rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, by interfering with the normal process of cell division. Its antineoplastic activity is attributed to its ability to disrupt microtubule formation and function. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

By inhibiting cell division, vincristine liposomal exerts cytotoxic effects on rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. The disruption of microtubule formation and mitotic spindle function interferes with the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division. This can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, ultimately inhibiting tumor growth. 

vincristine liposomal exhibits selectivity for cancer cells due to their higher proliferation rate than normal cells. This selective action contributes to the therapeutic benefit of vincristine liposomal in cancer treatment. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

Bioavailability is 100% 

The peak plasma concentration is 1,220 ng/mL 

The area under the curve is 14,566 hr•ng/mL 

Metabolism 

CYP3A4 isozymes metabolize the drug 

Elimination and Excretion  

The rate of total body clearance is 347 mL/hr 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

vincristine liposomal is given as an intravenous infusion, delivering it directly into a vein through a needle or catheter. The infusion is typically given over a specific period of time as determined by the healthcare provider. 

vincristine is liposomal and should be prepared and diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions or the healthcare provider’s direction. Following proper aseptic techniques and handling procedures is essential during the preparation and administration. The healthcare provider determines the infusion rate based on the specific treatment protocol. It is essential to adhere to the 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: vincristine liposomal 

Pronounced: vin-KRIS-teen-LYE-poe-some 

Why do we use vincristine liposomal? 

vincristine liposomal has potent antineoplastic activity, which can suppress the growth & spread of cancerous cells. vincristine liposomal is used to treat various cancers, including hematological malignancies (cancers of the blood and lymphatic system) and certain solid tumors. vincristine liposomal is formulated within liposomes, which are lipid-based vesicles.

This liposomal formulation helps improve drug delivery and bioavailability. It may enhance the stability of the drug, reduce toxicity, and prolong its circulation time, potentially leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.