Vinorelbine-injection
Name: Vinorelbine-injection
Warning
This medication must be given only by injection into a vein (intravenously-IV) by a trained healthcare professional. Deaths have occurred with medications similar to vinorelbine that were injected into the spine.
Vinorelbine can lower your blood cell counts (bone marrow suppression) and lower your ability to fight an infection. Your doctor will follow your blood counts closely. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.
If this medication accidentally leaks out of your vein into surrounding tissue, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged. Tell your doctor immediately if you have pain, redness, swelling, or discoloration at the injection site.
Uses
Vinorelbine is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping cancer cell growth.
Side effects
See also Warning section.Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle aches, joint pain, or irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.To prevent constipation, eat a diet adequate in fiber and drink plenty of water. Your doctor may also prescribe a laxative (such as a stool softener) to help prevent constipation.Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling/pain in the hands or feet, decreased reflexes, mouth sores, easy bruising/bleeding, weakness, new or increased trouble breathing, cough, severe constipation, stomach/abdominal pain, blood in the urine, mental/mood changes.Get medical help right away if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: chest pain.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Notes
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.