Navelbine chemotherapy is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Some doctors also use it to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer or Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Navelbine is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug classified as a plant alkaloid. Navelbine is a trade name for the drug Vinorelbine. This treatment is normally done on an outpatient basis.

Administration of Navelbine

• Navelbine is given intravenously. It is a clear fluid. It is also available in a capsule form to be taken orally. The intravenous infusion takes around 5-10 minutes.
• In either case, this drug should be carefully administered as it is a vesicant drug. Hence, it should be administered carefully by a trained professional. This is because if it leaks on the skin it causes severe burning and blistering. In case of chemotherapy spills, contact your health care provider immediately. The patient should also be trained to take the capsule in a particular way following the schedule strictly.
• A vesicant is a chemical that causes extensive tissue damage and blistering if it leaks from the vein. Hence, it is essential to notify your doctor in case of any redness, pain or blistering at the IV site.
• The dosage of Navelbine depends on various factors like the patient’s height, weight, other medical conditions, overall health, the type and stage of the cancer, age of the patient and so on. The number of cycles this treatment is decided by the doctor, depending on the response to the previous treatment.

Navelbine is categorised in the class of chemotherapy drugs called plant alkaloids. The plant alkaloids are cell-cycle specific i.e. they destroy the cancer cells during certain phases of the cell division process or mitosis. The vinca alkaloids and taxanes are also antimicrotubule agents. Antimicrotubule agents like Navelbine inhibit the microtubule structures inside the cell. Microtubules are a part of the ingredients required for cell division and replication. Hence, inhibiting these microtubules inhibits the cell division process and results in apoptosis or programmed cell death. Navelbine instructs the cell to inhibit the microtubule thus aborting the cell division process in between. Navelbine is used in combination with cisplatin that shrinks the tumor. Navelbine is effectively used to treat the asbestos cancer mesothelioma; it is used in chemotherapy for mesothelioma.

Side Effects of Navelbine Chemotherapy

Myelosupression as a side effect of chemotherapy is very common among patients. This, is turn, may lead to a weak immune system. Some other common side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle weakness
• Constipation
• Hair Loss

Relatively Rare Side Effects of Navelbine chemotherapy

• Severe pain at the IV site; this can be caused if the drug leaks during administration.
• Peripheral neuropathy with repeated doses is another common side effect of navelbine chemotherapy.
• Some patients may also have diarrhea. Call your doctor immediately if it does not get better with medication.
• Low platelet counts

Precautions for Navelbine Chemotherapy

• Be sure to inform your doctor regarding any other medications or therapies you are taking that includes OTC medications, prescribed medications, alternative therapies, herbs and supplements.
• Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin without consulting your doctor.
• Inform your doctor in case you or your partner is pregnant or you plan to start a family as this drug is harmful for the developing fetus.
• Refrain from intercourse or practice safe sex with barrier methods to avoid conception.
• Do not breast feed while undergoing navelbine chemotherapy as this drug could enter the breast milk and prove harmful for the baby.

Navelbine chemotherapy has been used effectively since a very long time and the side effects are relatively lower if administered carefully. This has been a promising drug since its clinical trials and also now when combined with other drugs like cisplatin. This has not only shown reduced side effects for the patients who earlier participated in the clinical trials but also it stopped the cancer from spreading further and improved quality of life.