It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when starting cancer treatment. Especially when you hear about treatments like chemotherapy, there are a lot of questions that come to mind. So today we're talking about a special injection given for such cancer treatment, namely Vinblastine. Let's understand what happens with this and what to be careful about, simply, as if we were talking to a friend.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Vinblastine is a type of chemotherapy drug. Its main function is to slow down the growth of cancer cells. Just like controlling the speed of a speeding car, this drug controls the division and spread of cancer cells.
This is not a drug that is given to treat just one type of cancer. Doctors use this drug to treat many types of cancer. For example:
- Breast cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Hodgkin's disease
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- For cancerous conditions such as sarcoma.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
This information is very important for your doctor to decide if this treatment is right for you and if it is safe. So be sure to tell them, even if it is a small thing.
- Blood-related diseases: If you have any blood-related conditions (e.g. bleeding, blood clotting problems, anemia).
- Teeth and gum problems: If there is any problem or infection with the teeth or gums.
- Other medical conditions: If you have gout, liver disease, lung disease, or nervous system disease.
- Current infections: If you have any infection in your body, especially a viral infection like chickenpox or herpes.
- Radiation therapy: If you have recently undergone radiation therapy or are currently undergoing it.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to this medicine (Vinblastine) or any other chemotherapy medicine, any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important. It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This medicine is not a pill that you swallow. It is an infusion into a vein . Just like a saline solution, it is given in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse who has been specially trained for this treatment.
Very important: If you experience any pain, swelling, redness , or any unusual sensation around the injection site during the injection, tell the doctor or nurse immediately . This is very important.
If you are giving this medicine to children, you should talk to your pediatrician about it and follow special precautions.
What if the medication dose increases?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Can it interact with other medications?
Yes, absolutely. Some other medications you are taking may interact with this treatment. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
| Types of drugs that can cause problems | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Erythromycin |
| Antifungal drugs | Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Voriconazole |
| Some medications for epilepsy | Phenytoin |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking.
Things to consider during treatment
You need to take a little more care of your body during this time.
Feeling unwell
It's normal to feel a little tired and uncomfortable during chemotherapy. This is because these drugs affect both cancer cells and healthy cells to some extent. But don't stop treatment without your doctor's advice for any reason. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience.
Protect yourself from infections
This medicine lowers your body's ability to fight disease (immunity). This means you are more likely to get infections.
- If you develop symptoms like fever, cold, or sore throat , call your doctor immediately. Do not self-medicate.
- Avoid crowded places and places where people with illnesses are as much as possible.
Bleeding and bruising
Even a small cut on your body can cause increased bleeding. You may also develop bruises (blue spots) on your body. Tell your doctor if you are bleeding in an unusual way (e.g. from your nose, gums) or if you notice any bruising on your body.
Be careful when brushing your teeth.
Use a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth, as this can cause your gums to become injured, infected, or bleed. Before undergoing any dental treatment, it is important to tell your dentist that you are undergoing chemotherapy.
Pregnancy and family planning
- Women: Do not become pregnant for any reason while taking this medicine. It may cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Also, do not breastfeed your baby during this time.
- Men: This medication may lower sperm count. If you are planning to have children, talk to your doctor about this before starting treatment.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some of them need to be reported immediately, while others are not so serious.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Decreased blood cells | Symptoms of infection: fever, chills, cough, sore throat. Signs of bleeding: bruising, nosebleeds, black stools. Symptoms of anemia: extreme fatigue, fainting, paleness. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Nervous system changes | Numbness in the limbs, pain, loss of balance when walking, dizziness, seizures. |
| Other serious symptoms | Hearing changes, high blood pressure, mouth sores, severe nausea and vomiting. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Hair loss | Hair loss |
| Constipation | Constipation |
| Appetite | Loss of appetite |
| Pain in the jaw | Jaw pain |
Take-Home Message
- Vinblastine is a powerful chemotherapy drug given through a vein that controls the growth of cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking.
- There is a high risk of infection during treatment. If you develop symptoms such as fever and cough, tell your doctor immediately.
- Be aware of unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Completely avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
- Feel free to talk to your doctor about any discomfort or problem you may be experiencing. You are not alone, there is a medical team to help you.
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