vinorelbine

Vinorelbine is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping cancer cell growth.

Vinorelbine is given by injection only into a vein by a healthcare professional. It is usually given over 6-10 minutes, once a week, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and body size.

If this medication comes into contact with your skin, wash your skin right away and completely with soap and water. If vinorelbine gets into your eyes, flush them right away and completely with water, and contact the doctor.

See also Warning section.

Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle aches, joint pain, or irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. Your doctor may prescribe a laxative (such as a stool softener) to help prevent constipation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.

People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), numbness/tingling/pain in the hands or feet, decreased reflexes, mouth sores, easy bruising/bleeding, weakness, new or increased trouble breathing, cough, severe constipation, blood in the urine, mental/mood changes.

Get medical help right away if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: chest pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using vinorelbine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: decreased bone marrow function/blood cell disorders (e.g., anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, numbness/tingling of the hands or feet, blockage of the stomach/intestines (e.g., obstruction, paralytic ileus), heart disease.

Vinorelbine can sometimes cause a serious skin reaction that looks likes a severe sunburn when given after radiation treatment (radiation recall). The reaction usually develops on the skin area previously treated with radiation within days to months after vinorelbine treatment. Throat problems can also be part of radiation recall with vinorelbine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop skin redness/tenderness/swelling/peeling/blisters or painful/difficult swallowing. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat your symptoms. If you develop a skin reaction, avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.

Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.

Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medication can affect fertility in males. Ask your doctor for more details.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using vinorelbine. Vinorelbine may harm an unborn baby. Women should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 months after stopping treatment. Men with female partners should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 months after stopping treatment. If you or your partner become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for 9 days after stopping treatment is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is: mitomycin.

Other medications can affect the removal of vinorelbine from your body, which may affect how vinorelbine works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine), among others.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.