IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
(vye-nor-ELL-bean)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Navelbine
WARNING: If vinorelbine accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged. Notify your doctor immediately if you feel pain or irritation at the injection site. Fatalities have occurred when medications similar to vinorelbine were injected into the spine. This drug is for intravenous (IV) use only. Vinorelbine can cause blood disorders (e.g., granulocytopenia) that can decrease your ability to fight infection. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as persistent sore throat or fever.
USES: This medication is used to treat cancer.
HOW TO USE: Vinorelbine is injected (only) into a vein over a 6-10 minute period. This medication must not be injected into the spine. It is usually given once a week. The dose and frequency of use of this medication will be determined in part by your condition and your response to previous therapy. Follow your doctor's instructions closely and be sure to ask any questions you may have about this therapy.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, tingling of the feet or hands; mild, reversible hair loss; muscle aches, or irritation at the injection site may occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: mouth sores, blood in urine, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, skin rash, breathing trouble, chest pain. This medication affects your blood cells reducing your ability to fight off infections. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection or flu-like symptoms: fever, chills. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, breathing trouble, any allergies. Because it may cause bleeding be careful when brushing or flossing teeth. Avoid people that may have colds or flu or recently received the oral polio vaccine. This medication must be handled carefully because it can irritate the skin. Vinorelbine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult you doctor before using this medication. It is not known is this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: cisplatin, mitomycin, other anti-cancer drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe constipation, weakness, or mouth sores; unusual fatigue; easy bleeding or bruising; or persistent sore throat or fever.
NOTES: Laboratory tests and blood tests will be done frequently to monitor the effectiveness of this medication and to prevent side effects.
MISSED DOSE: It is important that each dose be used as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store this medication in the refrigerator as directed. Do not freeze. Check the expiration date on the label and properly discard of any unused medication after that time.
Developed by First DataBank, Inc., San Bruno, CA
Copyright 2004 by First DataBank, Inc.