Vinorelbine (vin-OR-el-been)

Treats lung cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Navelbine

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Drink plenty of fluids, eat meals rich in fiber, or use stool softeners (laxatives) to prevent constipation.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 9 days after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, lung disease, breathing problems, stomach or bowel problems, or brain or nerve problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Liver problems
  • Stomach or bowel problems (including blockage, perforation), which may be life-threatening
  • Brain or nerve problems, including neuropathy
  • Lung or breathing problems, including interstitial pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Talk with your doctor before receiving this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in skin color, pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
• Dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches
• Numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands, arms, legs, or feet, muscle weakness
• Redness, pain, swelling, or blisters where the IV is given
• Severe constipation or stomach pain, indigestion, bloating
• Troubled or fast breathing, chest tightness, cough, blue color around the lips or fingernails
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change in taste
• Diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss
• Hair loss

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088