Vinblastine Sulphate Injection
Vinblastine Sulphate 1 mg per ml Injection
- The active substance is vinblastine sulphate
- The other ingredients are sodium chloride and Water for Injections
- Sodium hydroxide and sulphuric acid are used as pH adjusters
1. What Vinblastine Sulphate Injection is and what it is used for
Vinblastine Sulphate Injection is an anti-cancer medicine. The medicine is presented in the form of a solution for injection in glass containers called vials.
Each millilitre (ml) of Vinblastine Sulphate Injection contains 1 milligram (mg) of Vinblastine Sulphate. Each 10 ml vial contains 10 mg of vinblastine sulphate.
It is available in packs of 5 x 10 ml vials.
Vinblastine Sulphate Injection is used on its own or in a combination with other medicines to treat cancer.
2. Before Vinblastine Sulphate Injection is used
Vinblastine Sulphate Injection should not be used:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or are breast-feeding
- If your blood cells show that you do not have enough white blood cells (which fight infection) you will not be given vinblastine until the levels increase
- If you have a bacterial infection you will not be given vinblastine until this is controlled.
- If being given an injection of furosemide at the same time.
Tell your doctor if:
- You are trying for a baby. Vinblastine can cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception. Vinblastine may also interfere with the production of sperm.
- You notice any pain, during or soon after the injection is given
- You have had liver disease (or hepatitis)
- You are taking any of the following medicines:
Other anti-cancer medicines e.g. mitomycin (with or without progesterone), cisplatin, bleomycin.
Erythromycin (an anti-biotic)
Anti-epilepsy medicines
Special care will be taken by the doctor and medical staff to watch for signs of infection after your injection if your white blood cells fall below a certain level.
If you have lost a lot of weight, or have ulcerated skin vinblastine may have a greater effect on your white blood cells. This may be more of a problem in older patients, your doctor will decide if you can have vinblastine in these circumstances.
If your cancer has spread to your bone marrow vinblastine can cause a sudden fall in your number of white blood cells (which fight infection) and platelets (blood cells which help with blood clotting). In these circumstances your doctor may decide that you can no longer be given vinblastine.
If vinblastine is accidentally spilt into your eye, tell your doctor or nurse at once.
3. How Vinblastine Sulphate Injection is used
During treatment you will undergo blood tests to look for signs of changes in blood cells.
The dose of medicine given to you depends on the condition being treated and the results of your blood test. The medicine will be given as an injection to the vein. Vinblastine is usually given at weekly intervals. This will continue depending on the results of your blood tests and your response to the treatment.
As this medicine will be given to you whilst you are in hospital it is unlikely that you will be given too little or too much, however tell your doctor or your pharmacist if you have any concerns.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines Vinblastine Sulphate can have side effects. If any of the following happen, tell the doctor immediately:
Feeling hot or cold – this may be a sign of infection
If you experience any of the following tell your doctor as soon as possible:
• Feeling or being sick
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Mouth ulcers
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Black tarry stools
• Sore throat
• Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes
• Depression
• Loss of reflexes
• Headaches
• Fits
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Pain at tumour site
• Blisters
• Hair loss
• Severe pain and ulceration if the medicine leaks into skin during injection
If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5. Storing Vinblastine Sulphate Injection
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Store between 2°C – 8°C in a fridge.
Keep vial in the outer carton to protect from light.
Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label and carton.
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