VINCRISTINE SULFATE

85/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Hospira, Inc.

High Safety Concerns with Vincristine Sulfate, Particularly for Serious Reactions

49,837 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About VINCRISTINE SULFATE

VINCRISTINE SULFATE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Hospira, Inc.. Based on analysis of 49,837 FDA adverse event reports, VINCRISTINE SULFATE has a safety score of 85 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for VINCRISTINE SULFATE include FEBRILE NEUTROPENIA, PYREXIA, NEUTROPENIA, OFF LABEL USE, SEPSIS. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for VINCRISTINE SULFATE.

AI Safety Analysis

Vincristine Sulfate has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 49,837 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Hospira, Inc..

The most commonly reported adverse events include Febrile Neutropenia, Pyrexia, Neutropenia. Of classified reports, 96.6% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Vincristine Sulfate is associated with a high number of serious adverse reactions, including sepsis, pneumonia, and death.

The drug is frequently reported to cause hematological toxicity, such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. There is a significant risk of infection and sepsis, which are among the most common and serious adverse events.

Patients taking Vincristine Sulfate should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Vincristine Sulfate can interact with other drugs, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity. Warnings include monitoring for drug interactions and managing hematological side effects. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 85/100

Vincristine Sulfate received a safety concern score of 85/100 (high concern). This is based on a 96.6% serious event ratio across 28,386 classified reports. The score accounts for 49,837 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

FEBRILE NEUTROPENIA4,247 reports
PYREXIA1,858 reports
NEUTROPENIA1,705 reports
OFF LABEL USE1,670 reports
SEPSIS1,077 reports
VOMITING1,003 reports
DISEASE PROGRESSION996 reports
NAUSEA930 reports
PANCYTOPENIA912 reports
PNEUMONIA905 reports
HYPOTENSION866 reports
THROMBOCYTOPENIA827 reports
DEATH821 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE818 reports
ANAEMIA791 reports
DIARRHOEA747 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN738 reports
WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT DECREASED726 reports
MYELOSUPPRESSION693 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION688 reports
INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE678 reports
MUCOSAL INFLAMMATION654 reports
SEPTIC SHOCK652 reports
NEOPLASM PROGRESSION650 reports
PLATELET COUNT DECREASED636 reports
NEUROPATHY PERIPHERAL629 reports
NEUTROPHIL COUNT DECREASED576 reports
SECOND PRIMARY MALIGNANCY564 reports
FATIGUE541 reports
TACHYCARDIA525 reports
ASTHENIA523 reports
INFECTION520 reports
RESPIRATORY FAILURE512 reports
DYSPNOEA500 reports
HEADACHE489 reports
HAEMOGLOBIN DECREASED447 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY444 reports
PLEURAL EFFUSION420 reports
CONSTIPATION406 reports
LEUKOPENIA383 reports
ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA372 reports
ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE INCREASED360 reports
STOMATITIS360 reports
BACTERIAL INFECTION359 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED355 reports
MULTIPLE ORGAN DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME351 reports
TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS347 reports
DIFFUSE LARGE B CELL LYMPHOMA335 reports
COUGH332 reports
BONE MARROW FAILURE331 reports
MALIGNANT NEOPLASM PROGRESSION328 reports
DECREASED APPETITE322 reports
DIFFUSE LARGE B CELL LYMPHOMA RECURRENT321 reports
MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROME321 reports
DEHYDRATION319 reports
SEIZURE318 reports
COVID 19299 reports
COLITIS292 reports
CHILLS288 reports
BLOOD BILIRUBIN INCREASED287 reports
CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE COLITIS277 reports
HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA271 reports
FEBRILE BONE MARROW APLASIA264 reports
HEPATIC FAILURE264 reports
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS263 reports
HYPOXIA262 reports
TUMOUR LYSIS SYNDROME261 reports
PAIN260 reports
DIZZINESS258 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION258 reports
HYPERTENSION257 reports
ASCITES256 reports
RENAL FAILURE255 reports
PULMONARY EMBOLISM254 reports
ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE INCREASED250 reports
CARDIAC ARREST247 reports
MALAISE246 reports
BLOOD CULTURE POSITIVE245 reports
HYPERGLYCAEMIA240 reports
HYPONATRAEMIA240 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED239 reports
NEUTROPENIC SEPSIS238 reports
LYMPHADENOPATHY236 reports
VIRAL INFECTION235 reports
BLOOD LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE INCREASED232 reports
PANCREATITIS232 reports
BACK PAIN228 reports
CARDIAC FAILURE222 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY219 reports
FUNGAL INFECTION215 reports
VENOOCCLUSIVE LIVER DISEASE214 reports
INFUSION RELATED REACTION209 reports
NEUROTOXICITY207 reports
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS206 reports
SECONDARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY206 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE204 reports
ARTHRALGIA202 reports
HEPATITIS B201 reports
BACTERAEMIA200 reports
DRUG INTERACTION200 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Frequent reports of sepsis and pneumonia indicate a high risk of severe infections.
  • Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are common, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of blood counts.
  • Death is a reported outcome, emphasizing the serious nature of adverse reactions.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Male: 12,878, Female: 10,374, Unknown: 76. The most frequently reported age groups are age 3 (724 reports), age 4 (603 reports), age 5 (551 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 28,386 classified reports for VINCRISTINE SULFATE:

  • Serious: 27,418 reports (96.6%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 968 reports (3.4%)
Serious 96.6%Non-Serious 3.4%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Male12,878 (55.2%)
Female10,374 (44.5%)
Unknown76 (0.3%)

Reports by Age

Age 3724 reports
Age 4603 reports
Age 5551 reports
Age 7484 reports
Age 2471 reports
Age 15446 reports
Age 60434 reports
Age 8421 reports
Age 64419 reports
Age 16398 reports
Age 6385 reports
Age 9384 reports
Age 14375 reports
Age 13366 reports
Age 12355 reports
Age 17355 reports
Age 67343 reports
Age 66340 reports
Age 10339 reports
Age 11339 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Vincristine Sulfate can interact with other drugs, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity. Warnings include monitoring for drug interactions and managing hematological side effects.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Vincristine Sulfate, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include febrile neutropenia, pyrexia, neutropenia, off label use, sepsis. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of infection, particularly sepsis and pneumonia. Regular blood tests are essential to check for hematological toxicity, such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA closely monitors Vincristine Sulfate due to its high safety concerns, particularly for serious adverse events. Healthcare providers should report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Vincristine Sulfate?

The FDA has received approximately 49,837 adverse event reports associated with Vincristine Sulfate. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Vincristine Sulfate?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Vincristine Sulfate include Febrile Neutropenia, Pyrexia, Neutropenia, Off Label Use, Sepsis. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Febrile Neutropenia (4,247 reports), Pyrexia (1,858 reports), Neutropenia (1,705 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Vincristine Sulfate.

What percentage of Vincristine Sulfate adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 28,386 classified reports, 27,418 (96.6%) were classified as serious and 968 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Vincristine Sulfate (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Vincristine Sulfate break down by patient sex as follows: Male: 12,878, Female: 10,374, Unknown: 76. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Vincristine Sulfate?

The most frequently reported age groups for Vincristine Sulfate adverse events are: age 3: 724 reports, age 4: 603 reports, age 5: 551 reports, age 7: 484 reports, age 2: 471 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Vincristine Sulfate?

The primary manufacturer associated with Vincristine Sulfate adverse event reports is Hospira, Inc.. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Vincristine Sulfate?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Vincristine Sulfate include: Vomiting, Disease Progression, Nausea, Pancytopenia, Pneumonia. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Vincristine Sulfate?

You can report adverse events from Vincristine Sulfate to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Vincristine Sulfate's safety score and what does it mean?

Vincristine Sulfate has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Vincristine Sulfate is associated with a high number of serious adverse reactions, including sepsis, pneumonia, and death.

What are the key safety signals for Vincristine Sulfate?

Key safety signals identified in Vincristine Sulfate's adverse event data include: Frequent reports of sepsis and pneumonia indicate a high risk of severe infections.. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are common, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of blood counts.. Death is a reported outcome, emphasizing the serious nature of adverse reactions.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Vincristine Sulfate interact with other drugs?

Vincristine Sulfate can interact with other drugs, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity. Warnings include monitoring for drug interactions and managing hematological side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Vincristine Sulfate.

What should patients know before taking Vincristine Sulfate?

Patients should be closely monitored for signs of infection, particularly sepsis and pneumonia. Regular blood tests are essential to check for hematological toxicity, such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.

Are Vincristine Sulfate side effects well-documented?

Vincristine Sulfate has 49,837 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. The drug is frequently reported to cause hematological toxicity, such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The volume of reports for Vincristine Sulfate reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Vincristine Sulfate?

The FDA closely monitors Vincristine Sulfate due to its high safety concerns, particularly for serious adverse events. Healthcare providers should report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to VINCRISTINE SULFATE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

CisplatinEtoposidePaclitaxelDocetaxelDoxorubicin
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.