Vinorelbine
About
Vinorelbine belongs to the group of medicines called vinca alkaloids used alone or in combination with other anti-cancer medicines to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other body parts and advanced breast cancer that has not responded to other medicines.
Vinorelbine contains Vinorelbine, which works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body.
In some cases, Vinorelbine may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, injection site reactions, and a decrease in white and red blood cells. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not use Vinorelbine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or think you may be pregnant. Vinorelbine is not recommended for children below 18 years. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Vinorelbine
Medicinal Benefits
Vinorelbine belongs to the group of medicines called vinca alkaloids used to treat locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and advanced breast cancer that has not responded to other medicines. It may also be used to treat cancer of the oesophagus and soft tissue sarcoma (cancer that forms in the muscles). Vinorelbine contains Vinorelbine, which works by stopping the growth and multiplication of cancer cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Vinorelbine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Injection site reactions like redness, burning pain, inflammation of veins, or vein discolouration
- A decrease in red or white blood cells
- Weakness of lower extremities
- Liver disorders (abnormal liver tests)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Vinorelbine if you are allergic to any of its components, if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have low white blood cell count, have/had a severe infection within two weeks, have thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), or if you have taken or plan to receive yellow fever vaccination. Inform the doctor if you have a history of heart attack, severe chest pain, liver problems, and signs or symptoms of infection. Consult the doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Vinorelbine. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of pulmonary embolism (chest pain, breathlessness, and fainting), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (headaches, changed mental state which may lead to confusion and coma, convulsions, blurred vision and high blood pressure), infection (cough, fever, and chills), severe constipation with abdominal pain, acute respiratory distress syndrome (difficulty breathing), severe reduced blood pressure (severe dizziness and lightheadedness when you stand up), severe chest pain, or allergic reactions (dizziness, rash, swelling of the eyelids, face, lips or throat).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking anticoagulants, anti-epileptics (phenytoin), antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole), anti-cancer (mitomycin C), immunosuppressants (tacrolimus, ciclosporin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have asthma, severe liver problems, severe infection, or heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Vinorelbine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeDo not use Vinorelbine if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Consult the doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Vinorelbine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not take Vinorelbine if you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding must be discontinued if treatment with Vinorelbine is necessary.
Driving
cautionIn a few people, Vinorelbine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Vinorelbine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Vinorelbine.
Children
unsafeVinorelbine is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
- Avoid fast, fried, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Drink enough water and eat fibre-rich foods like spinach, lettuce, squashes, broccoli, nuts, seeds, beans, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, brown rice and fruits.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise regular blood tests before and during treatment with Vinorelbine to check if it is safe for you to receive the treatment.
- Inform the doctor if you are due to take any vaccinations, as many vaccines (live attenuated vaccines) are not recommended during treatment with Vinorelbine.
- Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for seven months after the end of the treatment.
- If you are a man being treated with Vinorelbine, discuss with the doctor about sperm conservation. Men are advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for four months after the end of the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-small cell lung cancer: It is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the lungs. Smoking is the major risk factor for non-small cell lung cancer. Symptoms include a cough that does not go away and shortness of breath.
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in the breast when the cells grow abnormally. 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. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
FAQs
Vinorelbine works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Use effective contraception and avoid fathering a child during treatment with Vinorelbine and four months after the end of the treatment. Discuss with the doctor about sperm conservation prior to treatment with Vinorelbine, as it may alter your fertility.
Vinorelbine may cause a severe decrease in white blood cells in the bone marrow. This might increase the risk of developing serious infections. Your doctor may advise regular tests to check the number of white blood cells in your body. Consult the doctor immediately if you experience fever, cough, congestion, sore throat or other signs of infection.
Vinorelbine may cause constipation. Consult your doctor if you experience constipation; the doctor may advise about changing your diet or using medicines to prevent/treat constipation.
