Indications & Uses
Vinblast is a cytotoxic medicine that stops cell growth at the metaphase stage of cell division. It affects rapidly dividing cells much more than normal cells. Like vincristine, it seems to work by binding to the microtubular proteins of the mitotic spindle, which prevents them from polymerising.
Pharmacology
Nobody has settled exactly how Vinblastine works, but it seems to bind to critical microtubular proteins of the mitotic spindle, or to crystallise them. Either way, the proteins can't polymerise properly, and the cell is held at metaphase arrest. At high concentrations, Vinblastine also has complex effects on nucleic acid and protein synthesis.
It is also reported to interfere with amino acid metabolism. It blocks the cell from using glutamic acid, and this in turn inhibits purine synthesis, the citric acid cycle and the formation of urea. Vinblastine has some immunosuppressive activity as well.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
The usual dose of VinBLAStine sulphate for adults, the elderly and children is 6 mg/m2, and it is normally given no more often than once every seven days. For testicular tumours, the dose may be raised to 0.2 mg/kg on each of two consecutive days, repeated every three weeks.
To reduce the chance of the drug leaking outside the vein, it is suggested that the mini-bag infusion and the needle be rinsed with venous blood before they are withdrawn. The dose should not be diluted in a large volume of diluent (that is, 100 to 250 ml), and it should not be given into a vein over a long period (30 to 60 minutes or more). Both of these often irritate the vein and make extravasation more likely.
Thrombosis is also more likely in some limbs, so it is considered inadvisable to inject a solution of VinBLAStine sulphate into an arm or leg where the circulation is impaired or may be impaired. Examples are a compressing or invading neoplasm, phlebitis or varicosity.
Side Effects
Vinblastine Sulfate can cause hair loss, constipation, a general feeling of being unwell, and mouth sores (stomatitis). The most serious effect that limits the dose is bone marrow suppression, for example granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and anaemia. Other effects include hypertension, neurotoxicity in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and damage to the 8th cranial nerve, which leads to vestibular and auditory toxicity. Ischaemic cardiac toxicity can occur, as can breathlessness, and pain in the bones, the tumour or the jaw. Nausea, vomiting, GI bleed and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone have also been reported. If extravasation occurs, the result can be necrosis and cellulitis.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Take care with vinblastine sulfate in people with hepatic impairment, neurotoxicity, ischemic heart disease or pre-existing pulmonary dysfunction. If the medicine leaks out of the vein (extravasation), it can damage the tissue and cause pain. Stop the injection immediately if this happens. Give a local injection of hyaluronidase and apply local heat, which lessens the discomfort and the risk of cellulitis. The rest of the dose should then be injected into another vein. Routine prophylaxis against constipation is recommended, especially when high doses are used. The white cell (leukocyte) count falls to its lowest point 4 to 10 days after vinblastine is given, and recovery is seen 7 to 14 days after treatment.
Contraindications
Don't give Vinblastine Sulfate to anyone who is hypersensitive to the active substance or to any of the excipients. It is for intravenous use only. If it is given by any other route it can be fatal. Vinblastine Sulfate is also contraindicated in patients who are leucopenic. And it should not be used when a bacterial infection is present. Such infections need to be brought under control with antiseptics or antibiotics before treatment with Vinblastine Sulfate begins.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There isn't much information on using Vinblastine during pregnancy, but the drug may cause foetal toxicity when given to a pregnant woman. In animals, it causes resorption of foetuses, and the offspring that survive show gross foetal abnormalities. No adequate and controlled studies of Vinblastine in pregnant women have been done so far. So it should be used in pregnancy only in life-threatening situations or severe disease, where safer drugs can't be used or don't work.
Women who could become pregnant should be advised to avoid pregnancy while they are receiving the drug. If Vinblastine is given during pregnancy, or the patient becomes pregnant while taking it, she should be told about the potential hazard to the foetus.
Breast-feeding
It isn't known whether Vinblastine passes into human milk. Because it could cause serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made either to stop nursing or to stop the drug, taking into account how important the drug is to the mother.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Store Vinblastine Sulfate in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Keep the vial in its outer carton so the light doesn't reach it.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Velvin Injection 10 mg
What is Velvin Injection 10 mg Injection?
Velvin Injection 10 mg Injection is a medicine that contains Vinblastine Sulfate. It is made by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC. It belongs to the Cytotoxic Chemotherapy group of medicines.
What is Velvin Injection used for?
Vinblast is a cytotoxic medicine that stops cell growth at the metaphase stage of cell division. It affects rapidly dividing cells much more than normal cells.
What are the side effects of Velvin Injection?
Vinblastine Sulfate can cause hair loss, constipation, a general feeling of being unwell, and mouth sores (stomatitis). The most serious effect that limits the dose is bone marrow suppression, for example granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and anaemia.
Can I take Velvin Injection during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
There isn't much information on using Vinblastine during pregnancy, but the drug may cause foetal toxicity when given to a pregnant woman. In animals, it causes resorption of foetuses, and the offspring that survive show gross foetal abnormalities. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Velvin Injection?
Store Vinblastine Sulfate in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Keep the vial in its outer carton so the light doesn't reach it.
Can I take other medicines with Velvin Injection?
Some medicines can interact with Vinblastine Sulfate, for example: Zidovudine, Aprepitant, Phenytoin, Miconazole, Lamivudine + Zidovudine, Tolterodine Tartrate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Velvin Injection?
Velvin Injection is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.