ADAP drugs: vinblastine

vinblastine (Velban, Velsar)

Drug description

Vinblastine is given intravenously to treat KS, often in combination with other drugs. Advances have been made in the treatment of KS, but no optimal therapy or adequate long-term management options have been defined. There is no curative therapy for KS. Vinblastine is also used in combination for treatment of other lymphomas, tumors, and advanced breast cancer.

Side effects
Fever, chills, cough, hoarseness, lower back pain, side pain, painful or difficult urination, pain or redness at site of injection, sores in mouth and on lips, rectal bleeding, dizziness, difficulty in walking, double vision, drooping eyelids, headache, jaw pain, mental depression, numbness or tingling in fingers and toes, pain in fingers or toes, pain in testicles, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or hair loss. Bronchospasm can be life-threatening and may occur at time of infusion or several hours later. The drug’s major side effect is suppression of bone marrow.

Dosage
May vary greatly depending on tumor, schedule, condition of individual and blood counts. Adults are given 3.7 mg/m2 single dose, increased at weekly intervals as tolerated by 1.8 mg/m2 to a maximum of 18.5 mg/m2. Usual maintenance dose is 5.5-7.4 mg/m2. For treatment of KS, vinblastine can be injected directly into the lesion. Side effects of intralesional chemotherapy are local pain and skin irritation.

How long it may take to work
Treatment is effective if there is regression of malignancy without the appearance of detrimental side effects.

Managing side effects
An antiemetic may be necessary to minimize nausea and vomiting. Compazine and Dramamine are antiemetics. There are others. Your doctor will prescribe the best one for you. Adjust diet as tolerated. Inspect your mouth for redness and ulceration. If ulceration occurs, avoid spicy foods, use sponge brush, and rinse mouth with warm salt water after eating and drinking. Your doctor may order viscous lidocaine swishes. Notify your doctor if fever, chills, vomiting, sore throat, signs of infection, bleeding gums, bruising, small hemorrhagic spots in the skin, or blood in urine or stool occurs. Avoid crowds and persons with known infections. Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor. Don’t drink alcohol or take aspirin. Treatment with G-CSF may correct suppression of bone marrow activity and allow continued use of vinblastine.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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