Vinblastine
About
Vinblastine belongs to a class of vinca alkaloids, also known as chemotherapeutic agents. It is used to treat various cancer conditions such as Hodgkin's disease, certain forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular carcinoma, lymphocytic lymphoma, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Cancer is a genetic change in which the body's cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues.
Vinblastine contains Vinblastine, which works by preventing cancer cells from dividing into two new cells. As a result, it prevents the cancer from spreading.
Vinblastine should be administered to patients only in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician qualified by training and experience to administer cancer chemotherapeutic agents. The most common adverse reactions are a drop in blood cells and platelets, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), sores in the mouth and throat, and tiredness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
It is recommended not to use if you are allergic to any ingredient in Vinblastine. Vinblastine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is critical not to become pregnant or get pregnant while undergoing therapy and for several months afterwards. Before beginning treatment, discuss effective contraception with your healthcare professional. Inform them immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while undergoing therapy. Breastfeeding is usually not advised during this treatment since it is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with this medicine. Drive only if alert, as the Vinblastine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Uses of Vinblastine
Medicinal Benefits
Vinblastine belongs to a class of vinca alkaloids, also known as a chemotherapeutic agent, primarily used to treat various cancer conditions. Vinblastine, present in Vinblastine, prevents cancer cells from dividing into two new cells. As a result, it prevents the cancer from spreading.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Vinblastine
- Injection site reactions
- A drop in the number of blood cells and platelets
- Vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- anorexia
- abdominal pain
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
- Mouth ulcers
- Hair loss
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Vinblastine, inform your doctor about your medical history and ongoing therapies to rule out potential adverse effects or interactions. It's crucial to take your medication as directed. The dosage of this medicine is based on your condition. Your doctor may adjust your dose during therapy based on the treatment results. The drug Vinblastine can reduce the number of blood cells. Your doctor will request laboratory testing before, during, and after therapy to determine whether this drug affects your blood cells. Keep all lab appointments. Vinblastine is recommended not to be used in pregnant women or nursing mothers; if you become pregnant while on treatment with Vinblastine, tell your doctor right away.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Vinblastine may interact with vaccines (e.g. BCG vaccine, Mumps virus vaccine, Influenza virus vaccine), cancer medications (e.g. Adalimumab), schizophrenia medications (e.g. Clozapine), medicines used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (e.g. Deucravacitinib), medications used to treat Multiple Sclerosis (e.g. Cladribine), medicines used to manage and treat autoimmune conditions (e.g. Etanercept), immunomodulating drugs (e.g. Fingolimod) and antirheumatic drug (e.g. Leflunomide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Vinblastine may interact with disease conditions, including infections, myelosuppression (bone marrow doesn't make enough blood cells or platelets), pulmonary Impairment and hepatic dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Vinblastine as it may cause serious side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeVinblastine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications.
Breast Feeding
unsafeVinblastine should not be used in breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionDrive only if alert, as the Vinblastine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Vinblastine. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Vinblastine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Vinblastine. Your doctor may titrate the dose if required based on your condition.
Children
safe if prescribedVinblastine can be used to treat certain cancers in children. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After your treatment begins, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals to take during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast and fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- When you take Vinblastine, your doctor will suggest regular blood tests to monitor the count of blood cells.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: Cancer is a genetic change in which the body's cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer: benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). Types of cancer include blood, lung, breast, etc. Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell therapy.
Hodgkin's disease: Hodgkin lymphoma, commonly known as Hodgkin's disease, is a kind of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is a component of your immune system. It aids in the defence of your body against infection and sickness. The lymph system comprises tissues and organs that generate, store, and transport white blood cells.
Testicular carcinoma: Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the testicles. The testicles, commonly known as testes, are located in the scrotum. Testicular carcinoma is a rare kind of cancer. It can occur at any age; however, it most commonly occurs between the ages of 15 and 45. A bulge or lump on a testicle is frequently the first sign of testicular cancer. Cancer cells can multiply swiftly. They frequently spread to other regions of the body from the testicle.
Lymphocytic leukaemia: The most prevalent type of leukaemia in adults is chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). It is a form of cancer that begins in the bone marrow in cells that develop into specific white blood cells (called lymphocytes). Cancer (leukaemia) cells begin in the bone marrow and subsequently spread to the blood.
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The tumour cells invade other healthy breast cells and can travel to lymph nodes, a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other body parts.
Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed). Advanced ovarian cancer indicates that the cancer has progressed beyond the ovary. It could have spread within the pelvis or abdomen or gone to other body parts, such as the lungs.
FAQs
Vinblastine, present in Vinblastine, works by preventing cancer cells from dividing into two new cells. As a result, it prevents the cancer from spreading.
Attend all your doctor's appointments while taking Vinblastine to ensure the therapy is effective. Regular blood tests and weight checks must be performed. While taking the Vinblastine, both men and women should use an effective means of contraception. Do not use any other medications unless prescribed by the doctor.
Do not stop taking Vinblastine on your own. Take Vinblastine for as long as your doctor prescribes it, depending on your medical condition. Do not hesitate to speak with your doctor if you experience difficulty taking Vinblastine.
Vinblastine can cause a significant decrease in the number of blood cells and platelets. Your doctor may suggest laboratory tests before and during the treatment.
Some dietary changes can help you manage side effects; for example, in case of diarrhoea-Choose foods or drinks with sodium (sports drinks or broth) and potassium (bananas and all-natural fruit juices).
