Vinorelbine Injection

Category: Chemotherapy / Antineoplastic agent
Form: Injectable solution for intravenous (IV) use

Uses:

• Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

• Used in breast cancer as part of combination chemotherapy.

• Sometimes used in other solid tumors depending on the oncologist’s protocol.

Mechanism of Action:

• Vinorelbine is a semi-synthetic vinca alkaloid.

• Binds to tubulin, preventing microtubule formation.

• Disrupts mitotic spindle formation during cell division, leading to cell cycle arrest in metaphase.

• Causes apoptosis (cell death) in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Administration:

• Administered intravenously, usually via slow infusion.

• Dosage depends on type of cancer, body surface area, and patient health.

• Usually given in cycles, with rest periods to allow recovery of normal cells.

Side Effects:

• Hematologic: neutropenia (most common), anemia, thrombocytopenia.

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea.

• Neurological: peripheral neuropathy (less common than vincristine).

• Other: hair loss, fatigue, injection site reactions.

Precautions:

• Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) to prevent severe myelosuppression.

• Adjust dose in patients with liver impairment.

• Avoid extravasation during IV infusion to prevent tissue damage.

• Use antiemetics to manage nausea and vomiting.

• Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential harm to the fetus or infant.

Summary:
Vinorelbine Injection is a chemotherapy drug that disrupts microtubule formation, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. It is primarily used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer. Administered intravenously in cycles, it requires monitoring for hematologic, gastrointestinal, and neurological side effects, and careful administration to prevent tissue injury.