Navelbine® (vinorelbine)

Navelbine® is the trade name for Vinorelbine. Vinorelbine, also known as vinorelbine tartrate, is a plant alkaloid that is used in chemotherapy. Navelbine has historically been used in the treatment of breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer and Hodgkin’s disease. Vinorelbine is administered by intravenous injection or intravenous infusion through the vein. Navelbine falls into the category of vesicant chemicals, which means it causes extensive damage and blistering to tissue if it escapes from the vein. Dosages are individualized for patients based on their height, weight and overall health. Navelbine is usually administered for 6 to 10 minutes, once a week. A saline solution is used to flush the vein immediately after administration in an effort to prevent infection. Vinorelbine offers some side effects that vary depending upon the patient. If patients are taking other medications in addition to chemotherapy treatment, these medications may interfere with treatment. Patients should discuss this with their doctors. Patients are advised against taking aspirin, aspirin based products or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor. Chemotherapy may also affect fertility. Patients are advised to use a reliable contraception during and for a few months following treatment as conception during the period of treatment may damage a developing fetus. Some of the side effects of Navelbine are expected and necessary while other side effects are unwanted. Most patients do not suffer all of the side effects associated with Vinorelbine. Many side effects are predictable and almost always reversible after treatment is completed. There is no relationship between the severity of side effects and the level of effectiveness of the drug. Some of the common side effects of vinorelbine may include constipation, pain at the site of injection, risk of infection, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, diarrhea, hair loss, bleeding or bruising, problems with stool, lip or mouth sores, skin reaction and dizziness. The following table outlines side effects of vinorelbine.

Common Side Effects of Vinorelbine
Side Effect	Symptom	Solution
Constipation	A temporary condition.	Drink 2 to 3 quarts of fluid every 24 hours. Doctors may prescribe a stool softener of other medication to prevent constipation.
Pain	Pain redness or swelling at the site of injection or infusion.	Apply warm compresses.
Risk of infection	Low blood counts. Red and white cells may decrease temporarily and increase the risk of infection. Fever of 105^oF or higher and chills.	Avoid crowds and people with colds. Wash hands regularly.
Muscle weakness	Muscle aches.	Symptoms are reversible after treatment.
Nausea	Is not relieved with prescribed drugs.	Requires medical attention.
Vomiting	More than 4-5 times within a 24-hour period.	Requires medical attention.
Tingling or numbness of the hands or feet	This is a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. May occur with repeated doses.	Effects gradually disappear within months after the treatment.
Diarrhea	Diarrhea with more than 3-5 stools per day	May be controlled with medication and drinking more fluids.
Hair loss	A temporary condition.	Symptoms are reversible after treatment.
Bleeding or bruising	Low platelet count	Use an electric shaver and soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding. Avoid contact sports.
Problems with stool	Black or tarry stool or blood in stool or urine	Requires medical attention.
Lip or mouth sores	May cause sores on the lip or in the mouth.	Clean the mouth with baking soda and salt rinses to decrease the severity of sores.
Skin reaction	Results when navelbine is given after radiation. Resembles severe sunburn	Avoid exposure to the sun. Wear SPF15 or higher and protective clothing.
Dizziness	May cause dizziness.	Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcohol.