Navelbine

The recommended dose and dosing schedule of Navelbine (Vinorelbine) varies according to the specific type of cancer being treated, the response to therapy, and the other drugs or treatments being used. The dose administered is also based on body size.

Navelbine (Vinorelbine) is injected into a vein through a specially prepared site on your skin. It is usually given on a weekly basis. Very careful handling of Navelbine (Vinorelbine) is required. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for chemotherapy preparation.

As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, Navelbine (Vinorelbine) can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as hair loss and mouth sores. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section "What side effects are possible with Navelbine (Vinorelbine)?"

Navelbine (Vinorelbine) often causes nausea and vomiting, but it is important to keep using this medicine even if you feel ill. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can advise you on how to reduce the effects of nausea and vomiting.

It is important to take Navelbine (Vinorelbine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids while using Navelbine (Vinorelbine) to prevent kidney problems.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Navelbine is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under Navelbine (Vinorelbine). This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using Navelbine (Vinorelbine), speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

Do not use Navelbine (Vinorelbine) if you:

• are allergic to Navelbine (Vinorelbine) or any ingredients of Navelbine (Vinorelbine)
• are pregnant
• have severely reduced levels of white blood cells or platelets

There may be an interaction between Navelbine (Vinorelbine) and any of the following:

• asparaginase
• Cisplatin
• Mitomycin
• other cancer medications
• radiation

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Navelbine (Vinorelbine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, decongestants, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Navelbine (Vinorelbine).

Blood clotting: Navelbine (Vinorelbine) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly as usual. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Navelbine (Vinorelbine) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people with contagious infections and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills.

Liver disease: Navelbine (Vinorelbine) should be administered with caution if you have liver disease. Please inform your doctor if you have or have had a history of liver disease.

Pregnancy: There is a possibility of birth defect if either the father or mother is using Navelbine (Vinorelbine) at the time of conception, or if it is taken during pregnancy. It may also harm the baby in other ways if taken during pregnancy.

Use effective birth control while being treated with Navelbine (Vinorelbine) and tell the doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Navelbine (Vinorelbine).

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether Navelbine (Vinorelbine) passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while receiving Navelbine (Vinorelbine) treatment due to the risk to the infant.