It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when your doctor tells you or a loved one about chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer. But when you are properly informed about this treatment, that fear can be greatly reduced. Today we are talking about a vaccine called Vinorelbine, which is used in such chemotherapy treatment, especially for lung cancer. I will try to explain this to you simply, as if you were talking to a doctor.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Vinorelbine is a type of chemotherapy drug. Cancer cells in our body are a type of cell that divides very quickly. This drug targets and destroys those rapidly dividing cells. This process causes the cancer cells to stop growing or die. This drug is mainly used to treat lung cancer. Sometimes, it can be used for other types of cancer as well, depending on the doctor's decision.
Things to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting Vinorelbine treatment, it is essential to give your doctor a complete picture of your health condition. This information will determine whether this medicine is suitable for you and how it should be given. If you have any of the following conditions, tell your doctor without hiding anything .
| Health condition or problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Intestinal problems | Intestinal blockage or other related conditions. |
| Liver diseases | If you have any liver disease. |
| Low blood counts | If you have been diagnosed with a low white blood cell, red blood cell, or platelet count. |
| Respiratory diseases | Lung or respiratory system diseases such as asthma. |
| Neurological disorders | Tingling in the fingers or toes, or other nerve-related conditions. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to vinorelbine, other chemotherapy drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, this is very important. |
How can I give you this medicine?
This medicine is not something you can take at home. It is an injection (infusion) into a vein, like saline . This means it is given into your body by a trained health professional (doctor or nurse) in a hospital or clinic.
Important: If you are giving this medicine to a child, it is imperative to discuss this with the pediatrician and take special care.
What to do if the medication dose is increased or missed?
Since this is a hospital-administered medication, the risk of overdose is low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, you should immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
If you can't go to the hospital on the day you're supposed to take your medicine, don't skip it. Call your doctor right away and ask what to do next.
Things to consider during treatment
You need to take a little extra care of your body while undergoing chemotherapy.
General discomfort and continuing treatment
When you take this medicine, you may feel a little tired and uncomfortable. This is normal. This is because chemotherapy affects not only cancer cells, but also some of our healthy cells. That's why it happens. If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor , but complete the course of treatment that was prescribed for you unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Special awareness about pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
This is very important.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping . Tell your doctor right away if you are planning to become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant.
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while you are taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping .
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for 9 days after stopping .
This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. It may also affect male fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Be careful about constipation.
Constipation is very common with this medication. So, keep an eye on your bowel movements every 2 or 3 days. If you don't have a bowel movement after 3 days, be sure to call your doctor.
Protect yourself from infections
Chemotherapy weakens the body's immune system, which means that the risk of illness, especially infections, is higher.
- If you experience symptoms of a cold such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough , do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor.
- Stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
- If you have been near someone with a disease like measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that don't heal, tell your doctor immediately.
Other points
- You will need to have frequent blood tests .
- Do not take painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen without your doctor's advice. These can reduce fever.
- Be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth because of the increased risk of bleeding and infection. If you are having any dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
What side effects can you experience?
Like any medication, vinorelbine can have side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are mild. The important thing is to recognize these and inform your doctor as soon as possible.
| Side effects and what to do | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Severe constipation | Not having a bowel movement for more than 3 days. |
| Pain at the injection site | Pain, redness, or swelling along the vein where the injection was given. |
| Symptoms of bleeding | Blood in the stool or black tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; vomiting something that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine; yellowing of the eyes or skin; pain in the upper right side of the stomach; nausea, loss of appetite, feeling lethargic. |
| Symptoms of anemia | Feeling unusually tired, fainting, difficulty breathing. |
| Neurological disorders | Numbness and loss of sensation in the hands and feet. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Jaw pain | Jaw pain. |
| Appetite | Decreased appetite. |
| Nausea and vomiting | A common condition that affects many people. |
| Stomach pain | General stomach pain. |
Take-Home Message
- Vinorelbine is a powerful anti-cancer drug that is only given in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor.
- Before starting treatment, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Follow the instructions regarding pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childbirth very carefully. This is extremely important.
- Be on the lookout for signs of infection (fever, cough), signs of bleeding, and severe constipation. If in doubt, call your doctor immediately.
- Don't be shy about talking to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. The medical team that takes care of you is there to help you.
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