Vinblastine

• Vinblastine is used by specialist healthcare professionals as part of chemotherapy regimens for certain serious diseases. Vinblastine is used with other chemotherapy medicines in the management of Hodgkins lymphoma. The exact indication, treatment combination, dose, and schedule depend on the patient's condition and treatment plan.

When should one not use Vinblastine

• If you have a known hypersensitivity to vinblastine.
• If you have a significantly low white blood cell count.
• If you have an active bacterial infection that has not been brought under control.
• Vinblastine must never be administered intrathecally (into the spinal fluid), as this can be fatal.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Low white blood cell count (the most common, dose-limiting effect), low platelet count, anaemia
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Hair loss, usually partial
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of reflexes (peripheral neuropathy)
• Weakness, tiredness, muscle or bone pain, jaw pain
• Headache, dizziness
• Inflammation at the injection site and severe tissue damage if the medicine leaks outside the vein
• High or low blood pressure
• Breathlessness
• Loss of appetite, low mood
• Severe reduction in blood cell counts, particularly white blood cells
• Severe infection or fever
• Severe constipation, abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, or bowel inflammation
• Seizures or other serious neurological symptoms
• Severe breathing difficulty
• Significant tissue damage following extravasation
• Severe allergic reaction

Other General Warnings

• You have liver problems, as this can affect how this medicine is processed and may require a dose adjustment.
• You have an active infection.
• You experience fever, chills, or other signs of infection during treatment.
• You notice numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or feet.
• You develop constipation, abdominal pain, or bowel symptoms.
• You have previously received or are receiving other chemotherapy medicines.
• You are planning to have children, as this medicine may affect fertility.
• Report any pain, stinging, redness, or swelling at the injection site during your infusion immediately.
• Report fever, chills, or signs of infection to your medical team promptly.
• Report any numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or feet to your doctor.
• Watch for unusual bruising or bleeding and report it to your doctor.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Mitomycin: concomitant use has been associated with severe breathing problems.
• Phenytoin: vinblastine may reduce phenytoin concentrations and could affect seizure control.
• Cisplatin and other medicines affecting drug metabolism: may alter vinblastine exposure and toxicity.
• Other medicines that suppress bone marrow function: may increase the risk of low blood counts and infection.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: may increase vinblastine exposure and the risk of toxicity.
• Tell your doctor about all other prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements you are taking.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose