Criston 1
Form: Injection
Strength: 1mg/vial
Generic Name: Vincristine Sulphate
Company: Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 0.0 (Injection)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Criston 1 is used to treat acute leukemia. Criston 1 can also be used with other cancer medications for treating Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms’ tumor.
Pharmacology
Criston 1 is a medicine made from a plant called periwinkle. The drug is a white or slightly yellow powder that can dissolve in water. When injected into the body, Criston 1 starts acting quickly, spreading to tissues within minutes. Criston 1 stays in the body for a long time, and most of Criston 1 leaves the body through stools, with a small amount in the urine.
Dosage & Administration
Adults: The usual dose is 1.4 mg per square meter of body area, given once a week.
Children: The usual dose is 1.5-2 mg per square meter of body area. For children weighing 10 kg or less, the starting dose is 0.05 mg per kg of body weight once a week. The dose may be increased depending on the child’s response.
Criston 1 should never be injected into the spinal cord, as Criston 1 can be fatal. If used with another drug called L-asparaginase, Criston 1 should be given 12-24 hours before to avoid increasing side effects.
The drug is injected into a vein, either directly or through a drip. The injection should take about 1 minute.
Interaction
Taking this drug with allopurinol may increase the risk of bone marrow problems. The drug may also have stronger side effects when combined with asparaginase, isoniazid, or other drugs affecting the nervous system. Criston 1 should not be combined with doxorubicin, as this can increase the risk of myelosuppression. Criston 1 may also help methotrexate enter cancer cells more effectively.
Contraindications
Criston 1 should not be used by people with a specific form of nerve disease (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome). Criston 1 should also be avoided in patients receiving radiation therapy to the liver, and in those allergic to vinca alkaloids or mannitol.
Side Effects
The side effects usually depend on the dose and are often reversible. Common side effects include hair loss and muscle or nerve problems. Other reported side effects include:
Allergic reactions: Rare cases of allergic reactions, such as swelling, rash, or severe reactions, may occur.
Gastrointestinal: Constipation, abdominal cramps, and sometimes bowel blockages are common. Stool softeners or mild laxatives can help. Regular use of laxatives or enemas is recommended for people taking this medicine.
Genitourinary: High levels of uric acid can occur, especially in patients with blood cancers. This can cause kidney problems but can be managed with hydration, medication, and proper care.
Cardiovascular: Blood pressure changes, including both high and low, are possible. In patients with previous heart problems, this drug can increase the risk of heart disease.
Neurological: Nervous system side effects may appear gradually, starting with numbness or tingling. These can become more severe over time, affecting muscles and movement.
Other: Fever, headaches, sweating issues, and sexual problems like decreased libido may also occur.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Criston 1 is classified as a Category D drug during pregnancy, meaning Criston 1 may harm the baby. There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and Criston 1 should not be used during breastfeeding as Criston 1 passes into breast milk.
Precautions & Warnings
Criston 1 is very important to make sure the needle is correctly placed in the vein before injecting. If the drug leaks into surrounding tissue, Criston 1 can cause irritation. If this happens, the injection should stop immediately, and the remaining dose should be injected into another vein. Special care should be taken to treat the leakage, and using heat can help reduce discomfort.