Vinblastine
(vin-BLAS-teen)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Contact us
What is vinblastine (VLB, Velban")?
Vinblastine is a medicine used to treat certain types of cancer. It is also used to treat Histiocytosis X Disease. It is available as an injectable medication.
Back to top
Special Instructions
- If this medication leaks out of the vein it may cause pain and redness at the place where it is being injected. If this occurs to your child, call the clinic / hematologist on call.
- This medication is usually given in the hospital or clinic. It is important to keep all clinic appointments.
- This drug may increase your child's sensitivity to the sun. Be careful to limit your child's sun exposure and to have them use sunscreen (SPF 15) and wear protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when going outside.
- If your child develops constipation after being given this drug, contact the child's hematologist or hematologist on call prior to giving any medications to treat the constipation.
- Your child's doctor may prescribe a stool softener or laxative for your child while they are receiving this medication.
- Drink plenty of liquids throughout the day while taking this drug in order to ensure adequate hydration.
- If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
Back to top
If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
Back to top
Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Hair loss
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Rash or sunburn
- Abdominal cramps
- Mouth sores
- Swelling of the feet and lower legs
Back to top
Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Difficulty urinating
- Seizure
- Constipation
- Easy bruising
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty in walking (foot drop)
- Ringing in the ears
- Jaw pain
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in fingers or toes
- Fever 101.5 once or 100.5 twice in 12 hours
Back to top
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Back to top
PEP 5027 V 8/04
Rev. 10/05, 10/07
