Patients should be informed that the major acute toxicity of intravenous
NAVELBINE (vinorelbine tartrate) Injection is bone marrow toxicity, in
particular granulocytopenia. Because granulocytopenia can result in an
increased risk of infection, patients should immediately report any
potential signs of infection, including fever and chills, to their
physician. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming
pregnant during treatment with NAVELBINE. See Tables 5 and 6 for patient information on possible side effects of
single-agent NAVELBINE and NAVELBINE in combination with cisplatin. It is
important to review this information with your patient, emphasizing
management strategies.
Contents
TABLE 5.
Possible Side Effects of NAVELBINE (vinorelbine tartrate) Injection when
used alone
TABLE 6.
Possible Side Effects of combination NAVELBINE (vinorelbine tartrate)
Injection and cisplatin
[Back to Main Table of Contents]
Table 5.
- Possible Side Effects of NAVELBINE (vinorelbine tartrate)
Injection when used alone
Decreased white blood cell counts
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- Within the first 2 to 3 weeks of treatment
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Reduce risk of infection:
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid crowds
- Eat well/take vitamins
- Get plenty of rest
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- If you have:
- A fever of 101° or more anytime, day or night
- Chills or night sweats
- Sore throat or mouth sores
Back To Index
Injection Site Reactions
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- During administration or for a few days thereafter
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Place arm on pillow above rest of body
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- If you have:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site
Back To Index
Constipation
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- Increases after several treatments
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Respond immediately to the urge to have a bowel movement
- Eat high fiber foods such as whole-grain cereal, bran, raw
vegetables, and fruits
- Avoid eating cheese, peanut butter, and refined grain products
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Take a stool softener as needed
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- Whenever you:
- Are unable to relieve constipation using the measures listed
Back To Index
Mild or moderate nausea or vomiting
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- Within 24 hours of treatment
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Hold cold cloth to throat
- Eat soda crackers
- Sip ginger ale or flat cola
- Breathe deeply
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- Whenever you:
- Are very nauseated
- Have vomited for more than a day
- Are unable to keep liquids down
Back To Index
Severe nausea or vomiting
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- This rarely occurs
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Try suggestions for mild nausea
- Take antinausea medication as directed
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- Whenever you:
- Are very nauseated
- Have vomited for more than a day
- Are unable to keep liquids down
Back To Index
Hair Thinning
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- After several treatments
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Consider getting a short haircut, which can minimize impact of
thinning hair
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- Discuss at your next visit
Back To Index
Neurological problems
(numbness, tingling, or weakness)
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- After several treatments
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Be careful when handling hot liquids or sharp items
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
- Wear shoes or slippers except when bathing
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- If you experience:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness in hands or feet
Back To Index
Fatigue/Tiredness
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- After several treatments
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Limit your activities
- Get plenty of rest
- Ask for help when you need it
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- Discuss at your next visit
Back To Index
Table 6.
Possible Side Effects of combination NAVELBINE (vinorelbine
tartrate) Injection and cisplatin
Decreased white blood cell counts
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- Within the first 2 to 3 weeks of treatment
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Reduce risk of infection:
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid crowds
- Eat well/take vitamins
- Get plenty of rest
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- If you have:
- A fever of 101° or more anytime, day or night
- Chills or night sweats
- Sore throat or mouth sores
Back To Index
Injection Site Reactions
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- During administration or for a few days thereafter
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Place arm on pillow above rest of body
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- If you have:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site
Back To Index
Constipation
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- Increases after several treatments
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Respond immediately to the urge to have a bowel movement
- Eat high fiber foods such as whole-grain cereal, bran, raw
vegetables, and fruits
- Avoid eating cheese, peanut butter, and refined grain products
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Take a stool softener as needed
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- Whenever you:
- Are unable to relieve constipation using the measures listed
Back To Index
Mild or moderate nausea or vomiting
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- 1 to 4 hours after receiving cisplatin
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Hold cold cloth to throat
- Eat soda crackers
- Sip ginger ale or flat cola
- Breathe deeply
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- Whenever you:
- Are very nauseated
- Have vomited for more than a day
- Are unable to keep liquids down
Back To Index
Severe nausea or vomiting
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- 1 to 4 hours after receiving cisplatin
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Same as for mild nausea
- Take antinausea medication as directed
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- Whenever you:
- Are very nauseated
- Have vomited for more than a day
- Are unable to keep liquids down
Back To Index
Reduced kidney function
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- After several treatments
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Watch for:
- Swelling in hands or feet
- Increased weight
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unusual itching
- Pain in side, ribs, back or hip
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- If you have
- Swelling in hands or feet
- Increased weight
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unusual itching
- Pain in side, ribs, back or hip
Back To Index
Neurological problems
(numbness, tingling, or weakness)
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- After several treatments
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Be careful when handling hot liquids or sharp items
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
- Wear shoes or slippers except when bathing
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- If you have:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness in hands or feet
Back To Index
Hearing Problems
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- After several treatments
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Watch for times when you don't hear as well as you did before
treatment
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- If you:
- Experience hearing difficulties
Back To Index
Hair Loss
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- After several treatments
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Consider using hat, wig, scarf, or other head covering, particularly
in cold weather
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- Discuss at your next visit
Back To Index
Fatigue/Tiredness
- When Might I Expect to Have This Side Effect?
- After several treatments
- What Should I Do If I Have This Side Effect?
- Limit your activities
- Get plenty of rest
- Ask for help when you need it
- When Should I Call My Doctor or Oncology Nurse?
- Discuss at your next visit