The Basics
What is Vincristine?
Cancers treated with Vincristine include: acute leukemia, Hodgkin’s and non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, Wilms’ tumor, multiple myeloma, chronic leukemias, thyroid cancer, brain tumors. It is also used to treat some blood disorders.
Brand names for Vincristine
Vincristine Sulfate Injection
How Vincristine is classified
Antineoplastic Agents
Vincristine During Pregnancy
Vincristine pregnancy category
Category D
Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Vincristine while pregnant
Vincristine sulfate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. When pregnant mice and hamsters were given doses of vincristine sulfate that caused resorption of 23% to 85% of fetuses, fetal malformations were produced in those that survived. Five monkeys were given single doses of vincristine sulfate between days 27 and 34 of their pregnancies; 3 of the fetuses were normal at term, and 2 viable fetuses had grossly evident malformations at term. In several animal species, vincristine sulfate can induce teratogenesis as well as embryo death at doses that are nontoxic to the pregnant animal. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving this drug, she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of child-bearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant.
Taking Vincristine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Vincristine?
Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy.[1] It is probably impractical to resume breastfeeding after vincristine therapy because of the drug’s long half-life. Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[2]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy.[1] It is probably impractical to resume breastfeeding after vincristine therapy because of the drug’s long half-life. Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[2]
Possible effects of Vincristine on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Vincristine
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Pistilli B, Bellettini G, Giovannetti E et al. Chemotherapy, targeted agents, antiemetics and growth-factors in human milk: How should we counsel cancer patients about breastfeeding? Cancer Treat Rev. 2013;;39:207-11. PMID: 23199900
2. Urbaniak C, McMillan A, Angelini M et al. Effect of chemotherapy on the microbiota and metabolome of human milk, a case report. Microbiome. 2014;2:24. PMID: 25061513
3. Amato D, Niblett JS. Neutropenia from cyclophosphamide in breast milk. Med J Aust. 1977;1:383-4.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
