Generic
Vinorelbine
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Vinorelbine is an anti-cancer medication used in the treatment of breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Description
Vinorelbine, a semisynthetic vinblastine derivative, binds to tubulin and inhibits microtubule formation. This disrupts the formation of the mitotic spindle thereby arresting the cell at metaphase.
Indications
- Breast cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Therapeutic class
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
Pharmacological class
Vinca Alkaloid
Pharmacology
Vinorelbine binds to tubulin and inhibits microtubule formation. This disrupts the formation of the mitotic spindle thereby arresting the cell at metaphase.
Mechanism of action
Binds to tubulin, inhibiting microtubule formation and arresting cell division at metaphase, stopping cancer cell growth.
Dosage
Adult Dose (IV):
- NSCLC (single agent): 30 mg/m² once weekly as infusion over 20-30 minutes or as slow bolus over 5-10 minutes
- NSCLC (with cisplatin 100 mg/m²): 25 mg/m² on Days 1, 8, 15, 22 of a 28-day cycle
- NSCLC (with cisplatin 120 mg/m²): 30 mg/m² once weekly
- Cervical cancer: 30 mg/m²/dose days 1 and 8 of a 21-day treatment cycle
- Breast cancer/Ovarian cancer: 25 mg/m²/dose every 7 days
- Hepatic impairment: Dose adjustments may be needed
Administration
- Administered by a doctor or nurse as IV injection or infusion; do not self-administer
- Intrathecal administration is contraindicated
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes or mucosa; thoroughly wash the skin area if contact occurs
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Low blood platelets
- Increased liver enzymes
- Fever
- Anemia
- Bleeding
- Constipation
- Leukopenia
- Neutropenia
- Peripheral neuropathy
Precautions & warnings
- Does not usually affect ability to drive
- Inform doctor if history of heart problems, vascular problems, or myelosuppression
- Do not take live or attenuated vaccines during therapy
- Use two methods of contraception while on therapy and for 3 months after
- Men should not father a child while on therapy and for 3 months post it
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes or mucosa as vinorelbine may cause irritation
- Take with a light meal to reduce nausea
- Soft capsule gels should not be taken with hot fluids
- Not recommended in children below 18 years
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to vinorelbine or other vinca alkaloids
- Severe current or recent infection (within last 2 wk)
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Intrathecal administration
- Do not give concomitantly with radiotherapy if liver is in treatment field
- Pregnancy, lactation
Drug interactions
- Cisplatin: increased risk of granulocytopenia
- Paclitaxel, itraconazole, ketoconazole: increased risk of neurotoxicity
- Prior or concomitant radiation therapy: increased radiosensitising effects
- Mitomycin: increased pulmonary toxicity
- Zidovudine: increased myelotoxicity
- CYP3A inhibitors: earlier onset and/or increased severity of side effects
- Aprepitant: possible increase in vincristine levels
- Live vaccines: possible infection
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Vinorelbine; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Unsafe; definite evidence of risk to the developing baby; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Unsafe; data suggests the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Pediatric use
Not recommended in children below 18 years
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe; no dose adjustment recommended
Hepatic Impairment: Caution needed; dose adjustment may be needed; regular LFT monitoring advised
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Bone marrow suppression, neurotoxicity.
Treatment: Supportive care.
Storage conditions
Store the vials at 2° to 8°C in the carton. Protect from light. DO NOT FREEZE.