Vinblastine

Vinblastine is a drug used to treat cancer. This drug is a type of chemotherapy. Vinblastine should only be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor at the hospital .

Several types of cancer that are commonly treated with vinblastine are testicular cancer, bladder cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, histiocytic lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or Letterer-Siwe disease. In addition, this drug is also used to treat histiocytosis and germ cell tumors in children.

Vinblastine works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells by interfering with the process of forming the DNA/RNA genetic material of cancer cells.

Vinblastine trademark:  DBL Vinblastin Sulphate Injection, Vinban

What is Vinblastine

Warning Before Using Vinblastine

Vinblastine should not be used carelessly. There are several things that need to be considered before using vinblastine, namely:

• Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Vinblastine should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you have a disease of the bone marrow or have ever had a low blood cell count, such as agranulocytosis due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy procedures
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had a stroke, Raynaud's syndrome , heart disease, heart attack , lung disease, stomach ulcer , liver disease, duodenal ulcer , recurrent, difficult-to-healing skin sores, or malnutrition .
• Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated while on treatment with vinblastine.
• As much as possible, avoid close contact with people with infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as the flu , while undergoing treatment with vinblastine, because this drug can increase your risk of contracting it.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception while on treatment with vinblastine.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun while undergoing treatment with vinblastine, because this drug can cause the skin to become more sensitive to light. Always use sunscreen when doing outdoor activities.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any supplements, herbal products, or other medicines.
• Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or an overdose after using vinblastine.

Dosage and Rules for Use Vinblastine

Vinblastine will be given by injection through a vein (intravenously/IV) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The dose will be determined according to the patient's body surface area (LPT).

In general, the following is the dosage for using vinblastine:

Condition: Cancer

• Adult: 3.7–18 mg/m ² LPT per day, every 7–10 days.
• Children: 2.5–12.5 mg/m ² LPT per day, every 7–10 days.

Condition: Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Adult: 6 mg/m ² LPT, every 2 wk.
• Children: 6 mg/m ² LPT, every 1–2 wk for 3–4 wk of treatment. The maximum dose is 12.5 mg/m ² LPT per week.

Condition: Testicular cancer

• Adult: 6 mg/m ² LPT per day, for 2 days. Drug administration will be repeated every 3-4 weeks.

Condition: Bladder cancer

• Adult: 3 mg/m ² LPT every 7 days, 3 times in 4 weeks.

Condition: Histiocytosis

• Children: 0.4 mg/kg, every 7–10 days.

Condition: Germ cell tumor

• Children: 3 mg/m ² LPT, no more than once per week.

How to use Vinblastine properly

Vinblastine will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The medicine will be injected through a vein (intravenously/IV), according to the doctor's instructions. The injection of the drug will be carried out slowly for 1 minute

Follow the injection schedule given by the doctor for effective treatment. During treatment with vinblastine, you will be asked to have regular blood tests. As much as possible, avoid drug contact with the eyes. If this happens, wash the affected eye with water and call a doctor immediately.

It is recommended to drink lots of fluids while using vinblastine, to reduce the risk of side effects.

Vinblastine Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are drug interaction effects that can occur if vinblastine is used with other drugs:

• Increased blood level of vinblastine when used with aprepitant, abametapir, lopinavir, ritonavir, quinidine , amiodarone, ketoconazole , erdafinitib, clarithromycin , or nefazodone
• Increased risk of impaired bone marrow function when used with zidovudine
• Decreased immune response to live vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine
• Increased risk of lung damage when used with mitomycin

Side Effects and Dangers of Vinblastine

The following are some of the side effects that can occur after using vinblastine:

• Pain or redness at the injection site
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Hair loss

Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't subside immediately or get worse. Immediately report to your doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Pain, itching, redness, sores, or swelling at the injection site
• Easy bruising , bloody urine, or black or bloody stools
• Severe stomach ache
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Painful jaw
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Confusion or weakness on one side of the body
• Dizziness or a sensation like spinning
• seizures
• Infectious disease which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as fever, chills , or sore throat that does not improve
• Pale, cold toes and fingers, or tingling