Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
- Eating Out? Cut Calories, Heartburn
- 5 Good Ways to Save Money on Medicine
- 8 Ways to Treat Your Allergies
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...
|
|
Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle aches, joint pain, or irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling/pain in the hands or feet, decreased reflexes, mouth sores, easy bruising/bleeding, weakness, new or increased trouble breathing, cough, severe constipation, stomach/abdominal pain, blood in the urine, mental/mood changes.
Get medical help right away if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: chest pain.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using vinorelbine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: decreased bone marrow function/blood cell disorders (e.g., anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, numbness/tingling of the hands or feet, blockage of the stomach/intestines (e.g., obstruction, paralytic ileus), heart disease.
Vinorelbine can sometimes cause a serious skin reaction that looks likes a severe sunburn when given after radiation treatment (radiation recall). The reaction usually develops on the skin area previously treated with radiation within days to months after vinorelbine treatment. Throat problems can also be part of radiation recall with vinorelbine. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop skin redness/tenderness/swelling/peeling/blisters or painful/difficult swallowing. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat your symptoms. If you develop a skin reaction, avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use reliable form(s) of birth control during treatment with this drug and for some time afterwards. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get the latest treatment options.