vinorelbine Health Article

Generic name(s):

vinorelbine

Brand name(s):

Navelbine

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

Vinorelbine 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 vinorelbine 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; or fever, chills, or signs of infection); lung problems (shortness of breath, cough); severe constipation or abdominal pain; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with vinorelbine.

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.

What is vinorelbine?

Vinorelbine is an antineoplastic medication. Vinorelbine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Vinorelbine is used to treat lung cancer.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using vinorelbine?

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

• liver disease;

• lung problems;

• nerve problems;

• any type of infection; or

• blood or bone marrow problems.

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

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

How should I use vinorelbine?

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

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with vinorelbine 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.

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

Your healthcare provider will store vinorelbine as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing vinorelbine 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 vinorelbine.

What happens if I overdose?

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

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

What should I avoid while using vinorelbine?

Vinorelbine 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 vinorelbine. 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.