When vinblastine is administered into a vein, it may leak into surrounding tissue. Your doctor or nurse will monitor your administration site for this reaction.
Your doctor has ordered the drug vinblastine to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into a vein.
Hodgkin's disease
non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
mycosis fungoides
testicular cancer
Kaposi's sarcoma related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Letterer-Siwe disease
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Vinblastine is in a class of drugs known as vinca alkaloids. It slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Vinblastine is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
nausea and vomiting which usually lasts less than 24 hours
stomach pain
constipation
diarrhea
jaw pain, headache, or other aches
thinned or brittle hair
exposed areas of the skin may become easily sunburned
fatigue
mouth blistering
unusual bleeding or bruising
tingling, numbness, and cramping in the legs or arms for longer than a few days
severe abdominal or muscle cramping
difficulty walking
hoarseness
fever
chills
change in normal bowel habits for more than 2 days
sore throat or mouth
difficulty controlling bladder
increased, painful, or difficult urination
redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
The most common side effect of vinblastine is a decrease of blood cells. Your doctor may order tests before, during, and after your treatment to see if your blood cells are affected by the drug.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.