ADVERSE EFFECTS |
COMMENTS |
| Grade 3-4 neutropenia |
Short, non cumulative, reversible and rarely complicated by infections. (Honhnecker JA, Sem in Oncol 1994) Blood count to be checked prior to each administration... Nadir at 7 to 10 days after administration Recovery of normal value in 4 to 5 days |
|
Anaemia and thrombocytopenia |
May occur but are seldom severe |
|
Constipation, abdominal discomfort |
Appropriate dietetic advice Laxative and enema if necessary |
|
Nausea, vomiting |
Occurs around 5 hours after administration, rarely immediate. Can be avoided by appropriate anti-emetic prophylaxis given 2 hours before administration. When vomiting occurs after intake of oral capsules, it is most often after digestive absorption (peak blood concentration occurs between 1.5 and 3 hours). Hence, capsules intake must NOT be repeated. |
|
Neurotoxicity |
Generally limited to loss of tendon reflexes (grade 1-2), reversible at the end of treatment. |
|
Alopecia |
Usually mild in nature (grade 1-2) |
|
Extravasation, reactions at the injection site (only with IV vinorelbine) |
Like other vinca alkaloids, Navelbine® is a moderate vesicant. Reactions at the injection site may include erythema, burning pain, vein discoloration and local phlebitis (grade 3-4); in rare cases, local necrosis has been observed. Proper positioning of the intravenous needle or catheter and bolus injection followed by liberal flushing of the vein can limit these effects. |
ADVERSE EFFECTS |
COMMENTS |
| Grade 3-4 neutropenia |
Short, non cumulative, reversible and rarely complicated by infections. (Honhnecker JA, Sem in Oncol 1994) Blood count to be checked prior to each administration... Nadir at 7 to 10 days after administration Recovery of normal value in 4 to 5 days |
|
Anaemia and thrombocytopenia |
May occur but are seldom severe |
|
Constipation, abdominal discomfort |
Appropriate dietetic advice Laxative and enema if necessary |
|
Nausea, vomiting |
Occurs around 5 hours after administration, rarely immediate. Can be avoided by appropriate anti-emetic prophylaxis given 2 hours before administration. When vomiting occurs after intake of oral capsules, it is most often after digestive absorption (peak blood concentration occurs between 1.5 and 3 hours). Hence, capsules intake must NOT be repeated. |
|
Neurotoxicity |
Generally limited to loss of tendon reflexes (grade 1-2), reversible at the end of treatment. |
|
Alopecia |
Usually mild in nature (grade 1-2) |
|
Extravasation, reactions at the injection site (only with IV vinorelbine) |
Like other vinca alkaloids, Navelbine® is a moderate vesicant. Reactions at the injection site may include erythema, burning pain, vein discoloration and local phlebitis (grade 3-4); in rare cases, local necrosis has been observed. Proper positioning of the intravenous needle or catheter and bolus injection followed by liberal flushing of the vein can limit these effects. |