Vinorelbine (By injection)
vin-OR-el-been
Treats lung cancer. Sometimes used in combination with other medicines.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Vinorelbine belongs to the general group of medicines known as antineoplastics. It is used to treat some kinds of lung cancer. It may also be used to treat other kinds of cancer, as determined by your doctor.
Vinorelbine interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells also may be affected by vinorelbine, other effects will occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, such as hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with vinorelbine, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Vinorelbine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, vinorelbine is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer (epithelial)
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
If any of this medicine gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose or on your skin, tell your caregiver right away.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or clinic for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other cancer medicines or medicines to treat infections.
Tell your doctor if you have ever been treated with radiation or other cancer drugs.
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vinorelbine or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, lung disease, breathing problems, or problems with your nervous system.
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Your doctor will need to check your blood regularly while you are receiving this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
Some of the side effects of this medicine may appear in between treatments or after you have stopped using this medicine.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, indigestion
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Redness, pain, swelling, or blisters where the IV is given
Shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or blue color around lips or fingernails
Unusual bleeding or bruising, or black, tarry stools
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Hair loss
Mild tiredness or weakness
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Navelbine, Novaplus Vinorelbine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.