See Supplemental Patient Information
- Proper placement of needle/catheter prior to administration is necessary to avoid extravasation which can cause severe local necrosis. Local irritation or phlebitis may also occur
- Acute shortness of breath and severe bronchospasm may occur especially if the drug is used with mitomycin-C. Monitor for life-threatening acute bronchospasm reactions
- Leukopenia is the most common dose-limiting toxicity of vinblastine. If WBC < 2,000 cells/mm3 following a dose of vinblastine, monitor patients carefully for evidence of infection until WBC returns to a safe level
- Toxicity may be enhanced in the presence of hepatic insufficiency. A dose reduction is recommended. Refer dose adjustment section
- Daily administration of vincristine is not recommended even though the resulting total weekly dosage may be similar to that recommended. Strict adherence to the recommended dosage is important
- Monitor bilirubin at baseline; CBC with differential prior to each dose
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Hepatic impairment
- Pulmonary disease
- IHD
- Cachexia
- Ulcerated skin
- Myelosuppression
- Neuropathy
- Neuromuscular disease
- Concurrent neurotoxic agents
- Concurrent ototoxic agents
Supplemental Patient Information
- Report immediately the appearance of sore throat, fever, chills, or sore mouth. Step should be taken to avoid constipation. Should be made aware that loss of hair may occur and that jaw pain and pain in the organs containing tumor tissue may occur
Pregnancy Category:D
Breastfeeding: Cancer chemotherapy drugs are not recommended for use during breastfeeding. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in breastmilk. Because of the potential for possible serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug.
