Navelbine IV

Vinorelbine is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping cancer cell growth.

How to use Navelbine IV
Vinorelbine is given by injection only into a vein by a healthcare professional. It is usually given over 6-10 minutes, once a week, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and body size.
If this medication comes into contact with your skin, wash your skin immediately and completely with soap and water. If vinorelbine gets into your eyes, flush them immediately and completely with water, and contact the doctor.

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.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
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.

Before using vinorelbine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: decreased bone marrow function/blood cell disorders (e.g., anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, numbness/tingling of the hands or feet, blockage of the stomach/intestines (e.g., obstruction, paralytic ileus), heart disease.
Vinorelbine can sometimes cause a serious skin reaction that looks likes a severe sunburn when given after radiation treatment (radiation recall). The reaction usually develops on the skin area previously treated with radiation within days to months after vinorelbine treatment. Throat problems can also be part of radiation recall with vinorelbine. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop skin redness/tenderness/swelling/peeling/blisters or painful/difficult swallowing. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat your symptoms. If you develop a skin reaction, avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use reliable form(s) of birth control during treatment with this drug and for some time afterwards. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: mitomycin, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove vinorelbine from your body (such as azole antifungals, including itraconazole; macrolide antibiotics, including erythromycin; cimetidine; rifamycins, including rifabutin; St. John\'s wort; certain anti-seizure medicines, including carbamazepine; aprepitant).

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

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.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised October 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.