Health Center
VINBLASTINE (Velban®) is cancer chemotherapy agent used for treating breast, prostate, testicular, bladder cancers,
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and certain types of leukemias. Vinblastine comes from a plant in the periwinkle
family. Vinblastine interferes with the growth of rapidly dividing cells, like cancer cells, and eventually causes cell death. Vinblastine
may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. Generic vinblastine injections are available.
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
·liver disease
·blood or bleeding disorders
·dental disease
·gout
·infection (especially chickenpox and herpes)
·nervous system disease
·recent radiation therapy
·an unusual or allergic reaction to vinblastine, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
·pregnant or trying to get pregnant
·breast-feeding
Vinblastine is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting by a trained health care
professional. If you notice pain, swelling, burning or any unusual feeling around the site of your injection, tell your health care
professional immediately. Vinblastine is not usually given more than once every 7 days.
It is important not to miss a dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment.
·vaccines
·phenytoin
When given with other chemotherapy agents, vinblastine may increase the effects and/or side effects of the other chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy that may be affected by vinblastine include:
·bleomycin
·methotrexate
Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these over-the-counter medicines:
·aspirin
·acetaminophen
·ibuprofen
·naproxen
·ketoprofen
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines,
nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks
with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your
health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
The side effects you may experience with vinblastine therapy depend upon the dose, other types of chemotherapy also given and the
disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health
care professional.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
More common:
·pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet
·fever or chills, cough or sore throat
Less common:
·black tarry stools
·blood in the urine
·mouth sores
·increased urination
·pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site
·unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
·unusual tiredness or weakness
·vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are
bothersome):
·constipation
·sensitivity to light and the sun
·hair loss
·loss of appetite
Rare:
·nausea
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.
Vinblastine may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because vinblastine affects good cells as well as cancer
cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or
health care professional tells you to stop.
If you are going to receive a vaccine, tell your health care professional or prescriber that you are receiving vinblastine. Vinblastine
and other chemotherapy may decrease your body's response to vaccines, making them less effective.
Depending on the dose and other chemotherapy you may receive, vinblastine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections.
Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not
treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Vinblastine rarely may increase your risk to bruise
or bleed. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding. Be careful not to cut, bruise or injure
yourself because you may get an infection and bleed more than usual.
Avoid taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®), or ketoprofen (Orudis® KT) products as
these may mask a fever, unless instructed to by your prescriber or health care professional.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick while receiving vinblastine because you may get an infection or
bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are received vinblastine.
If you are going to have surgery , tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are receiving vinblastine.
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic. You will not have to take this medicine at home.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you
have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
[ Revised 3/10/99]
This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.