Vinblastine is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat certain types of cancer of the lymph nodes, bone marrow, breast, kidney, testicles, or uterus (womb).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Vinblastine injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your disease and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Vinblastine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- untreated bacterial infection
- low white blood cell count in the body
as Vinblastine may not be suitable for you.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- previous lung disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Vinblastine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine can sometimes reduce fertility in men. Men who plan to have children should inform their doctor.
Vinblastine is not recommended to be administered in elderly people with poor health or skin sores.
For as long as you are being treated with this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function tests, blood uric acid level) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Vinblastine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation, mouth sores, loss of appetite, pain in the bones, muscles or jaw, pain in the area where the tumour is, hair loss, and blistering of the skin.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pain or swelling at the injection site during or after the administration of this medicine
- shortness of breath
- chest pain, pressure, or tightness
- pain, numbness, burning or tingling sensation in the hands or feet, weakness, fits or seizures
- unusual bleeding or bruising
This medicine may cause the level of your white blood cells to drop.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccination with live vaccines during treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines for cancer e.g. mitomycin, bleomycin, cisplatin
- erythromycin (certain antibiotic)
- phenytoin (medicine for fits or seizures)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Vinblastine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Vinblastine otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal.
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