Vinorelbine: Uses & Sides Effects

Vinorelbine is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. Vinorelbine is sometimes used in combination with other cancer medications.

How is vinorelbine given?

Vinorelbine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Vinorelbine is usually given once every 7 days to 6 weeks. Your schedule will depend on the condition being treated. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when vinorelbine is injected.

Vinorelbine can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Precautions

You should be treated with vinorelbine if you are allergic to it, or if you have severely low white blood cell counts.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• bone marrow suppression;
• a nerve disorder;
• radiation therapy or other cancer treatments.

Vinorelbine may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Vinorelbine can damage sperm. A man taking vinorelbine should use a condom during treatment, and for at least 3 months after treatment ends.

You should not breast-feed while using vinorelbine.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe constipation, stomach pain, bloody or black stools;
• numbness, tingling, muscle weakness;
• pain, redness, numbness, and peeling skin on your hands or feet;
• new or worsening cough, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing;
• pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given;
• low blood cell counts–fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Vinorelbine can cause severe constipation. Talk with your doctor about ways to avoid constipation while you are being treated with vinorelbine.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• weakness;
• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
• low blood cell counts;
• abnormal liver function tests;
• pain, redness, bruising, or irritation around the IV needle.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Keyword: vinorelbine.