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vinblastine - injection

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GENERIC NAME: VINBLASTINE - INJECTION (vin-BLAS-teen)

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Pain/redness at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, constipation, tiredness, and loss of appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To reduce constipation, increase your intake of fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Stool softeners may be helpful. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about stool softeners and laxatives.Temporary hair loss is another common side effect. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.Many people using this medication may have serious side effects. However, 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. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.Painful sores on the lips, mouth, and throat may occur. To decrease the risk, limit hot foods and drinks, brush your teeth carefully, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol, and rinse your mouth frequently with cool water.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bleeding/bruising, fast/pounding heartbeat, abdominal/stomach pain, bone/jaw pain, severe headache, hearing problems, unusual lumps/skin changes, dizziness/feeling of spinning, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), pale/bluish fingers/toes, pain/coldness in fingers/toes, numbness/tingling, difficult/painful urination, pink/bloody urine.Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: sudden shortness of breath/wheezing, black/tarry stools, chest/left arm pain, confusion, seizures, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, vision changes, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.