Vinblastine (common brand names velban, velsar, velbe) is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of Hodgkin's Lymphoma / Disease. It is more often than not given in conjunction with other chemotherapy agents in a multidrug regimen. An antineoplastic, vinblastine interferes with the growth of cancer cells - it does this by inhibiting microtubule production on cells. It is in the vinca alkaloid family of drugs which includes vincristine, a very different drug, used to treat some forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Both vinblastine and vincristine are used in the Stanford V regimen whereas vinblastine alone is used in ABVD. Originally derived from the Madagascar periwinkle plant Catharanthus roseus.
Before taking this medicine: Inform the doctor if you have had kidney, liver, or lung disease. It should not be taken while pregnant and not while breast feeding without your doctors' advice.
While taking this medicine: It is important to keep in close contact with the doctor who will monitor dosage and effects. If you have surgery or emergency treatment, tell the doctor/dentist you are taking or have taken this medication.
Short Term Side Effects: Common: nausea and vomiting (ask your doctor about drugs to counteract nausea), fever/chills after dose, cough, shortness of breath, mouth sores, itching, rash, loss of appetite; Less Common: confusion, faintness, wheezing, peripheral neuropathy (tingling & numbness in the hands and feet). Rare: sudden/severe chest pain, sudden weakness in arms/legs
Long Term Side Effects: hair loss (alopecia) during use - hair growth should return after treatment and lung (pulmonary) toxicity (doses should be monitored), peripheral neuropathy (tingling & numbness in the hands and feet).
Some of the Regimens using Vinblastine:
• ABVD (Hodgkin's Disease - the letter "V")
• Stanford V (Hodgkin's Disease - no letters used)
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Resources
Information on vinblastine from Healthtouch (US)
The Pharmacology of Vinblastine, Vincristine, Vindesine, and Vinorelbine from Cyberbotanica by Lucy A. Snyder
Description and Natural History of the Periwinkle from Cyberbotanica
Information on Alkaloids and microtubule inhibitors from UNMC
Manufacturer:
Eli Lilly
Customer Service: (317) 276-2000
Lilly Corporate Center
Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
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Conditions:
For more information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages:
Adult Hodgkin's Disease: Chemotherapy
Adult Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment
Adult Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Introduction
Childhood Hodgkin's Disease: Chemotherapy
Childhood Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment
Childhood Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Introduction
For more information on Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages:
Adult Nonhodgkin's Lymphoma: Chemotherapy
Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment
Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Introduction
Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Chemotherapy
Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment
Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Information Pages
