Navelbine is an antineoplastic that is used in treating certain kinds of cancer of the lungs. This drug helps slow down the growth of cancer cells and destroy them eventually.
While this drug affects the growth of cancer cells, it may also affect the growth of normal cells, thus side effects may occur.
While some side effects, such as hair loss, are not very serious, some side effects may be bothersome that you may need immediate medical attention. This drug is only administered under the direct supervision of a doctor.
If you are about to start Navelbine, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. The risks and benefits the medicine offer must be weighed.
When using vinorelbine, you and your doctor must consider the following:
Allergies: If you have any unusual reaction to any medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - food, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any. Read the package ingredients carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.
Pediatric: There are no appropriate studies performed to establish safety and efficacy of the use of this drug in children.
Geriatric: Specific studies were done in the elderly show that using this drug in patients 65 years old and above experience increased side effects compared to younger adults. However, safety and efficacy are still the same.
Pregnancy. Studies done in pregnant women show that using this drug has certain risks to the fetus. Nevertheless, in life threatening situations, the benefits may outweigh any potential risk.
Breastfeeding. Although there are no adequate studies in lactating mothers that determine potential risk in an infant when breastfeeding, the benefits should be weighed against the risks before taking this medication.
Drug Interactions: Some drugs have adverse effects when used together. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary. Before using vinorelbine, talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking other medications.
It is also important to inform your doctor if you are smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol since these may interact with the drug’s effectiveness.
Inform your doctor about any drug you are using, prescription or nonprescription, especially the following drugs:
Other Medical Problems: Using this medicine may be affected if you have certain medical conditions, especially, herpes zoster, chicken pox, and infections. Inform your doctor about any other health issues before using this medicine.
3 Proper Usage
To use Navelbine properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe other drugs together with Navelbine.
In case you are using it with other medicine, it is crucial to follow the schedule of intake to avoid any possible interactions.
While using this medicine, your doctor may advise increasing your fluid intake to promote increased urine output to help prevent kidney problems.
Using this drug may cause nausea and vomiting, but it is important to continue treatment even if this drug makes you ill. Your doctor may give you useful advice on how to minimize these effects.
Dosing: Dosage is determined by your doctor and will be different from one patient to another.
4 Precautions to Take
Before using Navelbine, there are some precautions you must take. While using Navelbine, close monitoring is important to make sure the drug is working properly.
Do not have any vaccine or immunization during and after treatment without consulting your doctor beforehand. This drug lowers your resistance to infection and may only cause you to catch the infection that the immunizations are supposed to prevent.
Moreover, if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in urine or stools, or if your stools are black and tarry, or you have pinpoint red spots on the skin, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Ask your doctor if any other ways of cleaning the teeth and gums are possible. Be cautious when using your regular toothbrush, toothpick or dental floss. Avoid touching your eyes or the inside of your nose, especially if you have not washed your hands first.
Additionally, be careful when using sharp objects like razors or fingernail cutters to avoid cutting yourself. Avoid contact sports and other physical activities that may cause injury or bruising.
While most of these side effects usually diminish as the body adjusts to the drug, calling your doctor may be needed. Some patients may experience side effects not listed above. If you want to report side effects, you may do so by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. Find doctors & request online appointments. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. Easy & secure access! Simple Facebook login.
FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact
information, certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality.
