vinblastine Health Article

Generic name(s):

vinblastine

Brand name(s):

Velban

What is the most important information I should know about vinblastine?

Vinblastine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of vinblastine including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); severe nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with vinblastine.

What is vinblastine?

Vinblastine is cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Vinblastine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Vinblastine is used to treat some types of lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, testicular cancer, breast cancer, choriocarcinoma, mycosis fungoides, Kaposi's sarcoma, and Letterer-Siwe disease.

Vinblastine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use vinblastine?

Do not use vinblastine without first talking to your doctor if you have

• liver disease;

• lung problems;

• any type of infection; or

• blood or bone marrow problems.

The use of vinblastine may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Vinblastine is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that vinblastine is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use vinblastine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with vinblastine. It is not know whether vinblastine passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment with vinblastine.

How should I use vinblastine?

Vinblastine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at the place of injection or anywhere else on your skin.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with vinblastine depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with vinblastine to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store vinblastine as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing vinblastine at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of vinblastine.

What happens if I overdose?

If, for any reason, an overdose of vinblastine is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a vinblastine overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while using vinblastine?

Vinblastine can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with vinblastine. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

Talk to your doctor before taking glutamic acid or tryptophan as they may interfere with the action of vinblastine.