Vinblastine Sulfate (Vinblastine Sulfate Injection) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Vinblastine Sulfate

Cancer »

What is cancer?

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 ...

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Vinblastine Sulfate

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Vinblastine Sulfate Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

VINBLASTINE - INJECTION

(vin-BLAS-teen)

WARNING: If vinblastine accidentally leaks into tissue around the injection site, the skin and/or muscle may be severely damaged. Tell your doctor immediately if you feel pain or irritation at the injection site. This drug is injected into a vein only. Do not inject under the skin, into a muscle, or into the spine.

Deaths have occurred when vinblastine was injected into the spine. This medication should be clearly labeled for injection into a vein only. To prevent accidental injection into the spine, do not remove the syringe from its labeled outside cover until immediately before use.

USES: Vinblastine is used to treat cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once a week. To prevent leakage of the medication into tissue around the vein, vinblastine should be injected over 1 minute. Tell your health care professional immediately if you experience pain, burning, or redness at the injection site.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment. Your doctor will do blood tests (complete blood count) to find the right dose for you. Your next dose may need to be rescheduled if your white blood cell count is too low.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Wash your hands carefully after handling this drug. Avoid getting this medication in your eye. If this occurs, wash the affected eye(s) well and contact your doctor.

Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Doing so helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects.