Drugs & Vitamins

Vinorelbine Tartrate Active Ingredients: Vinorelbine Tartrate Representative Names: Navelbine Available Product Images: What is vinorelbine injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with vinorelbine? What side effects may I notice from receiving vinorelbine? What should I watch for while taking vinorelbine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is vinorelbine injection? (Back to top) VINORELBINE (Navelbine®) is a cancer chemotherapy agent used for treating many different types of cancer including lung, breast and ovarian cancer and others. Vinorelbine comes from a plant in the periwinkle family. Vinorelbine interferes with the growth of rapidly dividing cells, like cancer cells, and eventually causes cell death. Vinorelbine may be used alone or used in combination with other chemotherapy agents. Generic vinorelbine injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •breathing difficulties, including asthma or COPD •liver disease •blood or bleeding disorders •dental disease •infection (especially chickenpox and herpes) •liver disease •nervous system disease •previous or current radiation therapy •an unusual or allergic reaction to vinorelbine, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Vinorelbine is for injection into a vein. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting by a trained health care professional. If you notice pain, swelling, burning or any unusual feeling around the site of your injection, tell your health care professional immediately. Vinorelbine can be given on a once weekly schedule. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) It is important not to miss a dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment. What drug(s) may interact with vinorelbine? (Back to top) •bosentan •clarithromycin •cyclosporine •erythromycin •fluconazole •fluoxetine •itraconazole •ketoconazole •medicines for HIV including delavirdine, efavirenz, nevirapine or protease inhibitors •medicines for seizures including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin •medicines to treat or prevent blood clots •rifabutin •rifampin •vaccines •voriconazole When given with other chemotherapy agents, vinorelbine may increase the effects and/or side effects of the other chemotherapy agents including: •bleomycin •cisplatin •imatinib, STI-571 •interferon alfa •methotrexate •mitomycin •paclitaxel Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these over-the-counter medicines: •aspirin •acetaminophen •ibuprofen •naproxen •ketoprofen Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving vinorelbine? (Back to top) The side effects you may experience with vinorelbine therapy depend upon the dose, other types of chemotherapy also given and the disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health care professional. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: More common: •pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet •fever or chills, cough or sore throat •constipation Less common: •low blood counts - vinorelbine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding. •signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine •signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine •signs of decreased red blood cells - unusual weakness or tiredness, fainting spells, lightheadedness •mouth sores •hives or a rash •pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •hair loss •loss of appetite •nausea, vomiting What should I watch for while taking vinorelbine? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. Vinorelbine may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because vinorelbine affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. If you are going to receive a vaccine, tell your health care professional or prescriber that you are receiving vinorelbine. Vinorelbine and other chemotherapy may decrease your body's response to vaccines, making them less effective. Depending on the dose and other chemotherapy you may receive, vinorelbine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Vinorelbine rarely may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding. Be careful not to cut, bruise or injure yourself because you may get an infection and bleed more than usual. Avoid taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®), or ketoprofen (Orudis® KT) products as these may mask a fever, unless instructed to by your prescriber or health care professional. Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick while receiving vinorelbine because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are received vinorelbine. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are receiving vinorelbine. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic. You will not have to take this medicine at home. Last Updated:03/10/2003 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.