Navelbine
Navelbine 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
Navelbine is used to treat
- non-small cell lung cancer breast
- cancer
- ovarian cancer
- Hodgkin's disease
Side effects of Navelbine
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. The number of
blood cells in your blood may begin to reduce from about seven days after the treatment
has been given and usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy.
Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will have usually returned to normal
within 21 days.
The extent to which your blood cells are reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy
you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, you are given. Your doctor can
advise you how likely it is that the chemotherapy will lower your blood cells. Your blood
will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Constipation. This can usually be relieved by drinking plenty of
fluids, eating a high fibre diet and taking gentle exercise. Sometimes you may need to
take medicines to stimulate your bowel. These can be prescribed by your doctor.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but
tell your doctor if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do have diarrhoea. If you have any change in bowel pattern tell your doctor.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet. This is due to the effect of
Navelbine on the nerves and is known as peripheral neuropathy. Most people do not have
this effect and if it occurs it is usually mild. You may also notice that you have
difficulty doing up buttons or other fiddly tasks. Tell your doctor if you notice any
numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. This usually improves slowly from a few months
after the treatment is finished.
Pain along the vein used for the injection. Navelbine can cause
irritation at the site used for the injection. If this happens it is important to tell the
person giving the drug as they can reduce the problem by flushing the drug through with
more fluid.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Navelbine
Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick. This is usually mild. There are
now very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. If the
sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other
anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective.
Hair loss. Hair loss is uncommon but hair may thin, or occasionally be
lost completely. If this happens it usually begins about 3-4 weeks after starting
treatment, although it may occur earlier. It is temporary, and the hair will regrow once
the treatment is finished.
Allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes
and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a dry mouth, headache,
breathlessness, anxiety and a need to pass urine. You will be monitored for any signs of
an allergic reaction during the treatment. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of
these signs.
Leaking around the vein. If Navelbine leaks into the tissues around
the vein it can damage the tissue in that area. If you notice any stinging or burning
around the vein while the drug is being given, or any leakage of fluid from the cannula
site, it is very important that you tell the doctor or nurse. If the area around the
cannula site becomes red or swollen at any time you should tell either the doctor or nurse
on the ward. |