USES: Vinblastine is used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
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Uses
Vinblastine is used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Notes
- Regular doctor visits are important.
- Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy.
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.
How
To Use - HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: 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 or 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 or trouble breathing.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of all illnesses, kidney or liver problems, of previous cancer therapy and of 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.
- 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.
Missed
Dose - Because you should not miss any doses, it is very important you remain under close supervision of your doctor.
Drug
Interactions - Tell your doctor of all medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), mibefradil, aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), cisplatin, carboplatin, "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole) or 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.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |