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Velbe

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Generic Name: Vinblastine sulfate
Product Name: Velbe

Indication

Vinblastine may be used alone or as part of a chemotherapy regime in the treatment of a number of cancers including:
– Hodgkin¡¦s disease
– advanced testicular carcinoma
– lymphocytic lymphoma
– histiocytic lymphoma
– mycosis fungoides
– Kaposi’s sarcoma
– histiocytosis X
It may be used in the treatment of choriocarcinoma or carcinoma of the breast that show resistance to other treatments.
The effectiveness of Vinblastine is usually increased when it is combined with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Action

Vinblastine is an antineoplastic agent known as a vinca alkaloid. It prevents the production of microtubules, which are vital in the physical separation of cells during cell division. Without microtubules, cell division cannot occur and the cell dies.

Dose advice

Ensure correct positioning of needle in vein to avoid extravasation. Solution may be further diluted with sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5%, but dilution to volume larger than 100-250ml or prolonged infusion are not recommended. Any residue should be discarded as Vinblastine contains no antimicrobial agent.
Adults
Initial dose:
– 3.7mg/m2
Dosing should occur weekly, according to the following:
– second week: 5.5mg/m2
– third week: 7.4mg/m2
– fourth week: 9.25mg/m2
– fifth week: 11.1mg/m2
Continue increasing to no higher than 18.5mg/m2/day. Dose should not be increased after white blood cell count drops below 3,000/m2. Maintenance should be continued at one increment below dose that caused leucopaenia.
Children
Initial dose:
– 2.5mg/m2
Dosing should occur weekly, according to the following:
– second week: 3.75mg/m2
– third week: 5.0mg/m2
– fourth week: 6.25mg/m2
– fifth week: 7.5mg/m2
Continue increasing to no higher than12.5mg/m2. Dose should not be increased after white blood cell count drops below 3,000/m2. Maintenance should be continued at one increment below dose that caused leucopaenia.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

Bone marrow suppression resulting in decreased numbers of white blood cells, and therefore increased infection risk, is the dose limiting toxicity of Vinblastine. Decreases in red blood cells and platelets are less common.
Other side effects include:
– mild nausea and vomiting
– constipation
– hair loss
– peripheral neuropathy (temporary damage to nerves of hands and feet resulting in changes in sensation and occasionally muscle function)
– abdominal pain
– fatigue
– weakness
– dizziness

Uncommon side effects

Side effects that are less common include:
– gastrointestinal bleeding
– slowing or cessation of gastrointestinal motility
More serious nerve damage may occur, causing:
– hearing and balance problems
– headache
– convulsions
– loss of tendon reflexes
– psychosis
– salivary gland pain
– depression
High doses may also result in a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) which can cause water and electrolyte imbalances.


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For further information talk to your doctor.


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Dates

Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 1 January, 1970


Created by: myVMC