Marqibo

1 What is Marqibo?

Brand: Marqibo

Generic: Vincristine Liposome

Marqibo is an antineoplastic drug (cancer drug). It is used in the treatment of certain types of leukemia especially Philadelphia chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-ALL).

It works by killing certain cancer cells. It is used in patients who have already received multiple cancer drugs before.

It is available in the form of solution and suspension and is only given by or under your doctor’s supervision.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Marqibo, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to food, preservatives, dyes and animals or had an allergic reaction which occurred while using this drug before.

Children

It should be used with extreme caution as safety and efficacy have not been established.

Elderly

This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults. However, safety and efficacy have not been established.

Pregnancy

It is a category D drug. It is not safe to use during pregnancy as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not become pregnant while using vincristine.

Breast Feeding

Vincristine liposomal injection is not known if it passes into breast milk. It is better not to breastfeed while using it. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Vincristine liposomal injection, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Drug Interactions

Vincristine liposomal injection interacts with many drugs. It should not be used with several drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicine which you are taking as he/she may change the drug or its dosage.

Some of them are listed below,

Following drugs may increase the risk of vincristine liposomal injection's side effects

  • Atazanavir
  • Clarithromycin
  • Indinavir
  • Itraconazole, ketoconazole
  • Nefazodone
  • Nelfinavir
  • Posaconazole
  • Ritonavir
  • Saquinavir
  • Telithromycin
  • Voriconazole
  • Following drugs may decrease vincristine liposomal injection's effectiveness
  • Carbamazepine,
  • Dexamethasone
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifamycins (rifampin)
  • St. John's wort

Other Medical Conditions

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness. Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

  • If you have a current or recent infection (eg, herpes zoster infection or shingles, chickenpox)
  • bone marrow problems (low blood platelets, low white blood cells)
  • Bowel problems (eg, blockage, constipation)
  • Liver problems
  • lung or breathing problems
  • Muscle problems
  • Nervous system problems (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Charcot Marie tooth syndrome (a genetic nerve disorder): should not be used in patients with this condition.

3 Proper Usage

Proper usage of Marqibo requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Read the medication guide carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Vincristine liposome is given as an injection into your vein by a doctor or healthcare professional in a hospital. It is recommended that you should drink plenty of fluids when you are having this treatment.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Marqibo, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits. He may do a blood and urine test.

While using vincristine, use a very effective form of birth control pill, as it may cause harm or loss to an unborn baby.

Vincristine may cause:

  • drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • blurred vision
  • light-headedness

These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Vincristine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Inform your doctor immediately if it leaked out of your vein into your skin while injecting it as it may damage skin and can form scars.

It can cause peripheral neuropathy.

Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any:

  • burning
  • numbness
  • tingling
  • painful sensations in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

It is a bone marrow suppressant. It temporarily reduces your white blood cells and platelets, and so making you susceptible to infections and bleeding.

While using this drug you should avoid people with the infection.

Inform your doctor immediately if you notice:

Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.

Vincristine liposomal injection may cause constipation. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about using a stool softener or laxative to prevent constipation.

It can cause damage to the liver or can aggravate liver diseases.

Inform your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms:

A serious and possibly fatal condition called tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) has been reported in patients taking vincristine liposomal injection.

Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any change in frequency of:

  • urination
  • rapid weight gain
  • pain in joints and muscles
  • feeling tired and swelling of feet and lower leg

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it as it may cause tingling, numbness or tiredness.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Marqibo. Some people may experience none or minor side effects. Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent.

More common are:

  • Constipation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Mild stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Tiredness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Stabbing pain
  • Sweating
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Troubled breathing
  • Ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

Less common are:

  • Blue lips, fingernails or skin
  • Irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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