Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy drug that is used for the treatment of breast cancer and lung cancer. Sometimes it is also used for the treatment of cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and ovarian cancer. Vinorelbine chemotherapy can also be used by a doctor for some other condition. It is a plant alkaloid, sold by the trade name of Navelbine; some healthcare professionals also call it vinorelbine tartrate.

Administration of Vinorelbine Chemotherapy

Vinorelbine can be given by injected intravenously into the vein, or it can be taken orally in the form of capsules. There strength of the capsules vary and are determined by a medical practitioner. When this drug is taken through a saline drip, it can be taken in the following ways:

• It can be taken through a fine catheter, which is usually located at the back of your hand.
• It can be taken through the central line. In this method s fine plastic tube is placed inside the skin into a vein that leads straight near the heart.
• The infusion can be through a fine tube that is inserted into a vein in the crook of your arm. This is called the PICC line.

One dosage of chemotherapy treatment is called a chemotherapy cycle and the whole treatment lasts for a few months. The chemotherapy treatment given depends on many factors like, the age of the patient, the stage of the cancer and the type of cancer that you have. You can ask your oncologists about the dosage of the drugs that you are given. Before starting, you must prepare for chemotherapy treatment. This includes getting more information about the treatment and also joining a support group, where you can meet people and share experiences.

Facts about Side Effects of VinorelbineAlthough this drug is used to kill the cancer cells, it also has several side effects. Remember a few important things about the side effects mentioned below:

• These side effects do not affect all the patients who undergo treatment with this drug.
• Similarly, one patient would not experience all the side effects mentioned here.
• The duration and onset of most of the side effects are predictable.
• Most of these side effects are temporary and go away once the chemotherapy treatment is over.
• The doctors can prescribe medications to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
• There is no evidence to show that the more side effects you face, the more the drug will become effective.

Common Side Effects

• Neutropenia is a common side effect of vinorelbine. It can reduce the number of white blood cells in the body. As these white blood cells are responsible for protecting the body against infection, the body’s resistance comes down significantly. It makes the patient prone to infection and sore throat. Fever due to chemotherapy is also a common side effect.
• The other side effects include hair loss, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and in some cases constipation.

• This drug can also cause anemia in patients, which can result in fatigue. In some rare cases, it can also reduce the platelets in the body.
• It can also cause infertility in patients. Doctors advise patients to take adequate amount of birth control measures for those
  undergoing chemotherapy.

In rare cases, if the patients cannot tolerate the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs, then the doctors might consider stopping chemotherapy for some time.

If you under any medication before taking this drug, do inform your oncologist. You should also tell your doctor if you have any chronic disease or medical problem. Also ask your ask questions related to chemotherapy treatment for this drug. Also know what side effects you should notice to get in touch with your medical practitioner immediately.

You doctor will give you some tips for self care. It is very important that you do as you are told by your doctor. Some of the tips are as follows:

• Eat healthy food with lots of fibers, fruits, cereals and vegetables in order to avoid constipation.
• Drink ample amount of fluids every day, unless your doctor asks you to.
• Avoid exposure to the sun. Use a sun block if you plan to go out.
• Avoid shaving with an electronic shaver and use a soft tooth brush to ensure there is no bleeding when you have or brush your teeth. Keep your mouth clean.
• For nausea and vomiting, your doctor will prescribe you some medicines that should be takes even if you do not have these symptoms.
• Do not over exert yourself. Take plenty of rest. If you want to exercise, then take the advice of your doctor.

Your doctor would be the best person to answer your queries regarding vinorelbine chemotherapy. The article given above is for your information. The treatment given with this drug may vary from one person to another as the disease of every individual is unique.