Trade name

DBL™ Vinblastine

What Vinblastine is and what it is used for?

• Vinblastine is a member of the vinca alkaloids derived from the periwinkle plant. This medicine binds to the tubulin and inhibits microtubule assembly, thus stopping a cell from separating into two new cells, eventually causing cell death. This cell damage slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body.
• Vinblastine can be given alone or in combination with other medicines to treat many cancers, including Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, breast cancer, testicular cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, choriocarcinoma and mycosis fungoides.

How vinblastine is given?

• Vinblastine is given as an infusion into a vein over 5 to 10 minutes.

What should I know while receiving vinblastine?

• If vinblatine leaks into the skin, it can cause severe tissue damage and blistering. Tell your nurse right away if you get pain, tenderness or redness at the place where the injection is given.
• Do not receive this drug when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• You will have regular blood tests to make sure you have enough blood cells and have adequate organ functions to receive this medicine. The timing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of vinblastine. You should let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially if you have liver or nerve problems.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Hair loss

It may begin 2-3 weeks after your first treatment. Your hair will usually grow back after treatment has finished.

• Constipation

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve constipation.

• Numbness and tingling in fingers or toes

Symptoms may last as long as therapy is continued and may become more severe. In some people, the symptoms will get better after treatment ends, but for some it never goes away completely. Protect areas where sensation is decreased and let your doctor know any unusual feeling you have.

• Loss of appetite

Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.

• Nausea and vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

Less common side effects

• Mouth sore

Your doctor can give you medicines that help you ease the discomfort. Good mouth care will help prevent mouth sores.

• Weakness and fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Muscle, bone, jaw pain

Talk to the doctor if the pain is bothering you, they can give you medicine to help ease pain.

More Information

• Many drugs may interact with vinblastine. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking beverages containing grapefruit. This is because grapefruits can affect how vinblastine works and can worsen the side effects.
• Avoid the use of St. John's Wort as it may make vinblastine less effective.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help make your recovery a smoother process.