Vinblastine is classified as a plant alkaloid. Vinblastine is said to be effective in certain chemotherapy regimens. The conclusion of vinblastine in chemotherapy allows lower doses of neomycin which reduces the overall toxicity.
Availability, Dosage, and Administration of Vinblastine
Vinblastine has no pill form and is administered by an intravenous injection or by infusion. Vinblastine is also known to be vesicant. A vesicant is a chemical that causes extreme tissue damage and blistering is it escapes the vein. If you notice pain, redness or swelling at the IV site, ensure to alert your doctor or nurse immediately.
Availability
Powder for injection – 10mg
Injectable solution- 1mg/ml
Dosage
Ovarian cancer (off-label)
4-18 mg/m2 on day 1 for every 3 weeks
Side effects
The most common side effects experienced by patients who are on a regimen of Vinblastine include:
- Low blood count
- Injection site reactions
- Fatigue and weakness
- Mouth sores
- Hearing loss
- Poor appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Depression
- Jaw pain, bone pain
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath.
Precautions to be taken
- Before starting Vinblastine treatment, inform your doctor about other medications that you might be taking
- Do not take any kind of vaccination or immunization without informing your doctor
- Inform your doctor before starting the vinblastine treatment if you are pregnant
- Do not conceive a child while on the Vinblastine treatment. This applies to both men and women.