DBL Vinblastine Adverse Reactions

Patients should be advised of the possibility of untoward symptoms before the use of this product.
The incidence of side effects with use of vinblastine appears to be dose related. In general most side effects do not persist longer than 24 hours. Neurologic effects are not common but can occur and may last for more than 24 hours. Leukopenia, the most common side effect, is usually the dose limiting factor.
Side effects reported have been: Haematological: Leukopenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, vesiculation of the mouth, adynamic ileus, diarrhoea, anorexia, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, pharyngitis, haemorrhagic enterocolitis, bleeding from a chronic peptic ulcer.
Neurologic: Numbness, paraesthesiae, peripheral neuritis, mental depression, loss of deep tendon reflexes, headache, convulsions.
Miscellaneous: Malaise, weakness, dizziness, pain in tumour site, vesiculation of the skin, hypertension, bone pain, jaw pain, Raynaud's phenomenon, inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (high dose), hypersensitivity reactions.
Antiemetic drugs may be used to control nausea and vomiting.
Alopecia is common. The development of epilation is usually not total and in some cases hair regrows during the continuance of maintenance therapy.
Extravasation during intravenous injection may lead to cellulitis and phlebitis. If the amount of extravasation is great, sloughing may occur.