VINBLASTINE SULFATE

Drug Name: VINBLASTINE SULFATE

VINBLASTINE SULFATE DESCRIPTION:
VINBLASTINE - INJECTION (vin-BLASS-teen)

COMMON VINBLASTINE SULFATE BRAND NAME(S):
Velban, Velsar

VINBLASTINE SULFATE SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain are common side effects. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Temporary hair loss is another common side effect; normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, cough, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination, joint pain, swelling of feet or lower legs, sores in mouth or on lips, unusual bleeding or bruising, black/tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, small red spots on the skin, dizziness, pain in the jaw, pain or numbness in fingers or toes, pain in testicles, double vision, difficulty walking. In the unlikely event an allergic reaction to VINBLASTINE SULFATE occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VINBLASTINE SULFATE:
VINBLASTINE SULFATE: This is a potent medication. Use it exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience pain, burning or redness at the place where injected. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking VINBLASTINE SULFATE. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects.

VINBLASTINE SULFATE WARNING:
If vinblastine accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged. Notify your doctor immediately if you feel pain or irritation at the injection site. Fatalities have occurred when vinblastine was injected into the spine. VINBLASTINE SULFATE is for intravenous (IV) use only.

VINBLASTINE SULFATE USES:
Vinblastine is used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

VINBLASTINE SULFATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: all illnesses, kidney or liver problems, previous cancer therapy, any allergies. Because VINBLASTINE SULFATE lowers your resistance to fight illness, avoid getting near people with the flu and with those who have recently received oral polio vaccine. For this same reason, avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower your risk of getting cut, bruised or injured. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor. Alcohol may add to the side effects of VINBLASTINE SULFATE. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the use of alcohol. Birth control measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking VINBLASTINE SULFATE. VINBLASTINE SULFATE is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using VINBLASTINE SULFATE. It is not known if vinblastine is excreted into breast milk. However, because this is a powerful drug, breast-feeding while using VINBLASTINE SULFATE is not recommended. Consult your doctor.

VINBLASTINE SULFATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially: hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), mibefradil, aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), cisplatin, carboplatin, "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole), aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin). Avoidance of citrus juices (and other urinary acidifiers) may be advisable during treatment. Consult your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VINBLASTINE SULFATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.

VINBLASTINE SULFATE NOTES:
Regular doctor visits are important. Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy.

MISSED VINBLASTINE SULFATE DOSE:
Because you should not miss any doses, it is very important you remain under close supervision of your doctor.

VINBLASTINE SULFATE STORAGE:
Refrigerate between 36 and 46 F (between 2.2 and 7.8 degrees C). VINBLASTINE SULFATE may be stored for 30 days after the first withdrawal. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.