Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Cancer Health Center

Font Size

Vinorelbine

Examples

Generic NameBrand Name
vinorelbineNavelbine

How It Works

Vinorelbine interferes with the cell's ability to reproduce. Vinorelbine is an intravenous (IV) medicine. The type and extent of a cancer determines the exact dose and schedule of administering this medicine.

Why It Is Used

Vinorelbine slows or stops the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. It is commonly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and bladder cancer.

How Well It Works

Vinorelbine is an effective antitumor medicine. But the type and extent of a cancer determines how effectively this medicine slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Side Effects

Possible serious side effects of vinorelbine include:

  • Allergic reactions. Signs of allergic reaction can include trouble breathing; swelling or closing of the throat; swollen face, tongue, or lips; or hives.
  • Feeling extremely tired, bruising or bleeding easily, or signs of infection such as a fever or chills. These symptoms may mean that the medicine caused the numbers of your white or red blood cells or platelets to drop.
  • Pain at the injection site.
  • Belly pain or constipation.
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain.
  • Numbness or tingling of the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy).

Less serious side effects are more common and may include:

  • Fatigue.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
  • Mouth sores (stomatitis), a sore throat, and jaw pain.
  • Hair loss. This is reversible, and hair will grow back when treatment ends.
  • Sun sensitivity and easy sunburn. Wear a hat and sunscreen of SPF 30 when you are outdoors and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Vinorelbine should be administered only under the supervision of a medical oncologist.

You may not be able to become pregnant or father a child after taking this medicine. Discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.

Vinorelbine can cause birth defects. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant or to father a child while you are taking it.

Vinorelbine can damage the tissue around a vein if it leaks into the tissue while it is being given. Tell your health professional immediately if you notice any stinging or burning around the vein while the medicine is being given.

Vinorelbine can cause changes in the way your liver functions. Tell your doctor immediately if:

  • You have belly pain.
  • Your urine becomes dark.
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes develop a yellow tint (jaundice).

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)pdf(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Other Works Consulted

  • Abramowicz M (2003). Treatment guidelines: Drugs of choice for cancer. Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, 1(7): 41-52.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 27, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Today in Cancer

Building a Support System
Blog
cancer fighting foods
SLIDESHOW
 
precancerous lesions slideshow
SLIDESHOW
quit smoking tips
SLIDESHOW
 
Jennifer Goodman Linn self-portrait
Blog
what is your cancer risk
HEALTH CHECK
 
colorectal cancer treatment advances
Video
breast cancer overview slideshow
SLIDESHOW
 
prostate cancer overview
SLIDESHOW
lung cancer overview slideshow
SLIDESHOW
 
ovarian cancer overview slideshow
SLIDESHOW
life after a brain tumor
VIDEO