Complete adverse effect profile including incidence rates and management
Important Safety Information
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected symptoms. For serious or life-threatening side effects, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: Prior to the use of the drug, patients should be advised of the possibility of untoward symptoms .
In general, the incidence of adverse reactions attending the use of vinblastine sulfate appears to be related to the size of the dose employed.
With the exception of epilation, leukopenia and neurologic side effects, adverse reactions generally have not persisted for longer than 24 hours.
Neurologic side effects are not common;
but when they do occur, they often last for more than 24 hours.
Leukopenia, the most common adverse reaction, is usually the dose-limiting factor.
The following are manifestations that have been reported as adverse reactions, in decreasing order of frequency.
The most common adverse reactions are underlined: Hematologic - Leukopenia (granulocytopenia), anemia, thrombocytopenia (myelosuppression).
Dermatologic - Alopecia is common.
A single case of light sensitivity associated with this product has been reported.
WARNINGS: This preparation is for intravenous use only.
It should be administered by individuals experienced in the administration of vinblastine sulfate.
The intrathecal administration of vinblastine sulfate usually results in death.
To reduce the potential for fatal medication errors due to incorrect route of administration, vinblastine sulfate injection should be diluted in a flexible plastic container and prominently labeled (as indicated) “FOR INTRAVENOUS USE ONLY – FATAL IF GIVEN BY OTHER ROUTES.’’ After inadvertent intrathecal administration of vinca alkaloids, immediate neurosurgical intervention is required in order to prevent ascending paralysis leading to death.
In a very small number of patients, life-threatening paralysis and subsequent death was averted but resulted in devastating neurological sequelae, with limited recovery afterwards.
Like all medications, Vinblastine Sulfate can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes this medication will experience them. Many side effects are dose-dependent and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Others may require dose adjustment or medical attention.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience signs of: