Vincristine
Vincristine is a chemotherapy medication classified as a vinca alkaloid that works by binding to tubulin and preventing microtubule assembly, thereby inhibiting cell division in rapidly proliferating cancer cells. It is primarily used to treat various cancers including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumor, with extensive use in pediatric oncology regimens.
Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug that stops cancer cell division by disrupting microtubule function and is used to treat several types of cancer in both children and adults.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01CA02
- RxNorm
- 11202
- Generic
- Vincristine
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Marqibo, Vincasar
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1.4 mg/m² (max 2 mg)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1.5-2 mg/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1.4 mg/m² (max 2 mg)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
vincristine is contraindicated during pregnancy due to teratogenic potential
regular fetal monitoring and obstetric assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid use
avoid unless critical need; consider alternative therapy
fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterindividualize dosing
may be used near term with careful risk-benefit assessment; consider timing of delivery
fetal monitoring, assess for preterm labor
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
not applicablediscontinue breastfeeding
vincristine is contraindicated during breastfeeding; do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based or bsa-based dosing
commonly used in pediatric oncology for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphomas, and wilms tumor; neurotoxicity monitoring essential
monitor for neurotoxicity, myelosuppression, and autonomic effects
geriatric
over 65 yearsconsider dose reduction
use with caution due to increased susceptibility to neurotoxicity; start at lower end of dosing range
close monitoring for neurotoxicity, autonomic dysfunction, and myelosuppression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeno standard dose reduction; monitor closely
primarily hepatically metabolized; however caution advised in severe impairment due to altered protein binding
monitor hematologic toxicity and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severereduce dose by 50%
dose reduction required in severe hepatic impairment; contraindicated with severe hyperbilirubinemia
monitor liver function tests and bilirubin levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Antineoplastic agent classification
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses in oncology
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Vincristine is indicated for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and adults, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and various other solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. It is frequently included in combination chemotherapy regimens.
Vincristine binds to tubulin dimers in cancer cells, preventing their polymerization into microtubules. This disruption of microtubule function inhibits the formation of the mitotic spindle, arresting cells in metaphase and preventing cell division. Cancer cells are particularly susceptible due to their high proliferation rates.
Vincristine is administered exclusively by intravenous injection and must be given by trained healthcare professionals. Neurotoxicity is the most significant adverse effect, potentially causing peripheral neuropathy, constipation, and autonomic dysfunction. It is a vesicant and can cause severe tissue damage if extravasated. Liver function and blood counts should be monitored during treatment. Vincristine has numerous drug interactions and should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing neurological conditions.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy