Vinblastine
Generic name: vinblastine [ vin-BLAS-teen ]
Brand name: Velban
Dosage form: intravenous solution (1 mg/mL)
Drug class:Mitotic inhibitors
What is vinblastine?
Vinblastine is used to treat Hodgkin's disease, certain types of lymphoma, testicular cancer, breast cancer, choriocarcinoma (a type of uterine cancer), Kaposi's sarcoma, and Letterer-Siwe disease.
Vinblastine is often used in combination with other cancer drugs.
Vinblastine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not be treated with vinblastine if you have severely low white blood cell counts, or an uncontrolled bacterial infection.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when vinblastine is injected.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive vinblastine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
severely low white blood cell counts; or
an untreated or uncontrolled bacterial infection.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
breathing problems;
coronary artery disease, a blood clot or stroke (including "mini-stroke");
wasting syndrome (decreased weight with loss of muscle tissue);
skin ulcers, bed sores; or
cancer than has spread to your bone marrow.
Vinblastine may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant. vinblastine may cause missed menstrual periods.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
How is vinblastine given?
Vinblastine is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every 7 days. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when vinblastine is injected.
You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
Vinblastine may cause constipation. Ask your doctor how to avoid severe constipation.