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Vinblastine Injection
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
VINBLASTINE – INJECTION
(vin-BLASS-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME: Velban, Velsar
WARNING: If vinblastine accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged. Notify your doctor immediately if you feel pain or irritation at the injection site. Fatalities have occurred when vinblastine was injected into the spine. This drug is for intravenous (IV) use only.
USES: Vinblastine is used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
HOW TO USE: This is a potent medication. Use it exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience pain, burning or redness at the place where injected. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain are common side effects. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Temporary hair loss is another common side effect. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, cough, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination, joint pain, swelling of feet or lower legs, sores in mouth or on lips, unusual bleeding or bruising, black/tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, small red spots on the skin, dizziness, pain in the jaw, pain or numbness in fingers or toes, pain in testicles, double vision, difficulty walking. In the unlikely event an allergic reaction to this drug occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: all illnesses, kidney or liver problems, previous cancer therapy, any allergies. Because this medication lowers your resistance to fight illness, avoid getting near people with the flu and with those who have recently received oral polio vaccine. For this same reason, avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower your risk of getting cut, bruised or injured. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor. Alcohol may add to the side effects of this medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the use of alcohol. Birth control measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking this medication. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known if vinblastine is excreted into breast milk. However, because this is a powerful drug, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially: hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), mibefradil, aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), cisplatin, carboplatin, “azole” antifungals (e.g., itraconazole), aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin). Avoidance of citrus juices (and other urinary acidifiers) may be advisable during treatment. Consult your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.
NOTES: Regular doctor visits are important. Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy.
MISSED DOSE: Because you should not miss any doses, it is very important you remain under close supervision of your doctor.
STORAGE: Refrigerate between 36 and 46 F (between 2.2 and 7.8 degrees C). This drug may be stored for 30 days after the first withdrawal.
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).