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Vinblastine ( vin-BLAS-teen ) (Velban®, Alkaban-AQ®) What is this medication used for? Vinblastine is used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, germ cell tumors, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
What does it look like? • Liquid How is it given?
Special instructions: • This medicine can cause irritation if it leaks out of the vein. Tell the person giving the medicine immediately if burning or pain is felt while the medicine is being given. If the skin becomes red or swollen, call a healthcare provider. If there is a blister or scab, do not pop or pick it. • A stool softener or laxative may be needed to prevent or treat constipation caused by vincristine. Increasing fiber and fluids also can help prevent or treat constipation. Do not become pregnant, father a child, or breastfeed while taking this medication. It may be important to use birth control while taking this medicine and for several months after treatment is completed.
• Into the vein (IV) or venous access device What are the common side effects?
• Constipation (hard stools) • Stomach (abdominal) pain • Hair loss (alopecia) • Feeling tired (fatigue, malaise) • Low red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts (pancytopenia) 5–10 days after administration • Numbness, tingling, or pain in the fingers and toes (peripheral neuropathies) • Clumsiness or unusual walk (gait), and being more likely to fall • Jaw pain • Loss of deep tendon reflexes, (wrist or foot drop), difficulty lifting front of foot or difficulty lifting wrists What are the less common side effects? • Nausea or vomiting • Loss of appetite (anorexia) • Difficulty urinating or retaining urine • Weakness in the extremities, unsteady walking (gait), and being more likely to fall • Burning, pain, or tissue damage in the skin around where the medicine is given if it leaks out of the vein (extravasation)Bone pain • Damage to unborn child (birth defects)
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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