Vinblastine
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 used to treat
- Hodgkin's disease
- non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
- mycosis fungoides
- testicular cancer
- Kaposi's sarcoma related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Letterer-Siwe disease
- non-small cell lung cancer
- bladder cancer
- head and neck cancer
- cervical cancer
- idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura
- autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Side effects of Vinblastine
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 usually return to normal within
21-28 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, are given in combination. Your
doctor can advise you how likely it is that your blood cells will be lowered by the
chemotherapy. 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.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. This is usually mild if it occurs
at all. There are now effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea
and vomiting. If you do feel sick it may begin after the treatment is given and last for
up to a day. If it is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Vinblastine
Hair loss. It is very unusual to lose your hair. Some people notice
that their hair becomes a little thinner, but not usually enough to be noticeable to other
people.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you
may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let
your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do have diarrhoea.
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. It is
important to tell your doctor if you have constipation.
CancerBACUP's booklet Diet and the cancer patient has helpful tips about constipation.
We would be pleased to send you a copy.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet. This is caused by the effect of
vinblastine on nerves and is known as peripheral neuropathy. 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.
Peripheral neuropathy usually improves slowly a few months after the treatment is
finished. Very rarely other nerves may be affected (eg neck nerves) which may cause pain
in the jaw or double vision.
Headaches. Let your doctor know if you have headaches while having
treatment with vinblastine. Medicines can be prescribed to help.
Pain at the tumour site. This does not usually last long. If pain does
occur tell your doctor or nurse, as medicine can be prescribed to reduce the pain. |