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vinorelbine

Generic Navelbine
Used for Lung Cancer
Used for Lung Cancer

Vinorelbine is an intravenous chemotherapy medication used to treat many cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It might be given by itself or with another chemotherapy medication. Vinorelbine works to stop cancer cells from dividing, but can cause serious side effects like low blood cell counts, constipation, and nerve damage.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Baxley, PharmD, BCOP
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 27, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Vinorelbine?

What is Vinorelbine used for?

  • Treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer either alone or in combination with cisplatin

How Vinorelbine works

The cells in our body grow by splitting and dividing. Cancer cells do this much more quickly than healthy cells.

Vinorelbine is a microtubule inhibitor, meaning it blocks microtubules. Microtubules are structures in the cell that play an important role in making sure cells divide properly. Vinorelbine fights cancer by blocking these structures, thus preventing cancer cells from dividing. As a result, the cancer cells can't grow and spread as well.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNavelbine (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassMicrotubule inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Vinorelbine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Low white blood cells (92%)
  • Low red blood cells (83%)
  • Higher liver enzymes (up to 67%)
  • Nausea (up to 44%)
  • Weakness (36%)
  • Constipation (35%)
  • Redness, pain, and warmth around injection site (28%)
  • Numbness and tingling in fingers and/or toes (25%)
  • Vomiting (20%)

Other Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Hair loss
  • Pain in blood vein
  • Trouble breathing

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious infections (from low WBCs): temperature of 100.4F (with or without other symptoms, such as chills), cough, muscle aches, very fast heartbeat, confusion
  • Other serious blood problems: severe tiredness, nosebleeds, unexplained bruising
  • Serious lung problems: trouble breathing, fever, chest tightness, cough, rattling or clicking sound when breathing, fast breathing
  • Serious gut problems: sudden stomach pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, passing gas often

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

blood in the urine or stools

bluish color of the skin

burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations

changes in skin color

chest pain

chills

clay-colored stools

constipation

cough

dark urine

decreased appetite

dizziness

feeling of fullness in the ears

fever

headache

hoarseness

itching, skin rash

loss of appetite

loss of balance

loss of hearing

lower back or side pain

muscle pains, cramps, or stiffness

nausea

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

ringing or buzzing in the ears

sneezing

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stomach pain or tenderness

swelling of the feet or lower legs

swollen glands

tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over the affected area

trouble in hearing

troubled breathing with exertion

unsteadiness or awkwardness

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow eyes or skin

Less common

Chest tightness

increased sensitivity to pain or touch

overactive reflexes, followed by underactive reflexes

trouble breathing

Rare

Agitation

chest discomfort

confusion

decreased awareness or responsiveness

decreased urine output

depression

frequent urination

hostility

irritability

loss of consciousness

lower abdominal cramping

muscle twitching

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

rapid weight gain

seizures

severe sleepiness

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

vomiting

Incidence not known

Anxiety

blistering or sloughing of the skin

bloating

blurred vision

change in walking and balance

clumsiness or unsteadiness

coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum

difficult, fast, noisy breathing

difficulty in swallowing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

heartburn

hives or welts

increased sweating

increased thirst

indigestion

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

lightheadedness

nervousness

pain or burning in the throat

pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

pale skin

pounding in the ears

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness, swelling, or pain of the skin

scaling of the skin on the hands and feet

slow heartbeat

ulceration of the skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Chest pain

chills

confusion

fainting

fast heartbeat

fever

lightheadedness

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

partial or slight paralysis

rapid, shallow breathing

severe constipation

severe stomach pain

severe vomiting

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Change in taste

diarrhea

difficulty in moving

impaired hearing

joint pain or swelling

lack or loss of strength

thinning or loss of hair

Incidence not known

Back pain

cracked, dry, scaly skin

feeling of warmth or heat

flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck

jaw pain

pain and redness of the skin at the place of earlier radiation treatment

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Vinorelbine

thumbs-up

Pros

Each infusion is quick (less than ten minutes)

Typically doesn’t cause vomiting, like many other chemotherapy medications

If taken alone, usually doesn’t cause hair loss

thumbs-down

Cons

Often causes low blood counts which makes it harder for you to fight off infections

Might cause bothersome side effects, such as constipation and numbness in fingers and toes

Infusions are once a week, which means a lot of appointments

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Vinorelbine

pharmacist

  • Vinorelbine often causes low white blood cells. If you get sick while your white blood cells are low, your body might not be able to fight the infection as well. You can help prevent infections by washing your hands often, avoiding crowds, and washing raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.

    • Check your temperature regularly, such as once a day, and call your provider immediately if your temperature is 100.4ºF or higher, because this means you have a fever. Taking vinorelbine raises your risk for getting sick. Sometimes, a fever might be the only sign that you’re sick.

      • Vinorelbine can cause constipation. Drink lots of water and eat plenty of high-fiber foods to prevent constipation. Your provider might also recommend a stool softener like docusate (Colace).

        • Be aware of how you feel during the vinorelbine infusion. If the skin around your IV hurts, burns, or feels warm, tell your nurse right away as this can be a sign of a leak of the medication. Vinorelbine can damage the tissue around your vein if it leaks.

          • Though it’s uncommon, vinorelbine can cause nausea in some people. If you’re taking vinorelbine and your stomach is upset, let your provider know. There are many medications that can help treat nausea during chemotherapy.

            • Rarely, vinorelbine can cause lung problems like interstitial lung disease (ILD). Let your provider know right away if you have new or sudden difficulty breathing, cough, or chest tightness, because this can be serious.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Vinorelbine

              Why do I need to check my temperature regularly when I’m taking vinorelbine?
              It's important to check your temperature regularly while you're receiving vinorelbine in order to check if you have a fever. This is because a common side effect of vinorelbine is low white blood cells (WBCs) levels. When your WBC levels are low, you’re more likely to get sick. And sometimes, fever is the only symptom you’ll have when you’re sick. It’s important to detect infection early so you can get the treatment you need. And checking for a fever is one of the best ways to do this. Your body might not show other signs of infection, like chills or body aches. If you have a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, contact your provider right away.
              Does vinorelbine cause constipation?
              Vinorelbine might cause constipation. The way that it works to fight cancer can also slow down gut movement, which can cause constipation as a side effect. You can help prevent constipation by drinking lots of water and eating high-fiber foods. Your provider might also recommend medications to prevent constipation, such as docusate (Colace). If you have stomach pain or have gone longer without a bowel movement than is normal for you, contact your provider.
              Does vinorelbine cause peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain)?
              Vinorelbine can cause nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). When you have nerve damage, you might feel numbness, tingling, or pain in your fingers and toes. There aren’t any treatments proven to prevent this side effect, but it’s important to let your provider know if you experience these symptoms and keep track of how long they last and how bad they are. Your provider might pause or stop your treatment if your symptoms become severe.
              What does it mean that vinorelbine is a vesicant?
              Vinorelbine is a vesicant, which means it might irritate the tissue around your vein or IV line if it leaks. It's rare for the IV lines to leak during chemotherapy infusions. Your care team will try to protect you from this side effect by giving you certain types of IV access devices, such as a port. If you feel any pain, burning, or warmth during your vinorelbine infusion tell your nurse right away.
              Will I lose my hair if I take vinorelbine?
              You might lose some hair if you take vinorelbine, depending on what other anticancer medications you’re taking. While it’s possible for vinorelbine to cause hair loss by itself, it’s usually minimal and not very noticeable. But you might notice this side effect more if you take it with another chemotherapy medication, like cisplatin. If you have hair loss, let your provider know and they can talk with you about your options. Some methods like scalp cooling might prevent hair loss. Usually, hair will grow back after you're done with chemotherapy.
              Is vinorelbine only used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?
              The FDA has only approved vinorelbine to treat NSCLC. But it’s part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's (NCCN) guidelines to treat other types of cancer as well, including breast cancer and uterine cancer. Talk with your provider if you've questions about the use of vinorelbine in other types of cancer.
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              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Vinorelbine?

              Vinorelbine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Low blood cell counts (myelosuppression)

              Vinorelbine commonly causes low blood cell counts, including white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets. This can lead to problems like feeling more tired (from low RBCs) and higher risk for bleeding (from low platelets). It can also raise your risk for serious and life-threatening infections (from low WBCs). You might be at higher risk for these problems if you’re older than 65 or if you’ve had chemotherapy or radiation before. Your doctor will check your labs before every vinorelbine treatment. They'll pay close attention to your WBCs and might change your dose or pause treatment if your counts are too low to give your body time to make new blood cells. If your white blood cells are low, it’s important to prevent getting sick by washing your hands often and avoiding crowds. Check your temperature regularly and call your provider right away if your temperature is 100.4ºF or higher.

              risk-warning

              Serious liver problems

              • Risk factors: History of liver problems

                Some people taking vinorelbine have shown high levels of liver enzymes on their blood tests, which can suggest liver problems. Most people don’t feel any noticeable symptoms when this happens. Your provider will monitor your liver health on a regular basis to make sure this medication is still safe for you to take. If your liver labs are too high, your provider might need to pause or stop your treatment with vinorelbine while they look into it. If you experience symptoms of liver problems, such as stomach pain, yellowish skin, or yellow around the whites of your eyes, call your provider right away.

                risk-warning

                Severe constipation

                • Risk factors: Taking other medications that cause constipation

                  Vinorelbine might cause constipation, and in rare causes has caused serious tissue damage and tears in the gut. You can help prevent constipation by drinking lots of water and eating high fiber foods. Your provider might also recommend medications to prevent constipation such as docusate (Colace). If you have stomach pain, fever, or have gone longer without a bowel movement than is normal for you, contact your provider.

                  risk-warning

                  Pain and tissue damage around the infusion site

                  Though rare, it’s possible for vinorelbine to leak into the tissues around the IV line. If this happens, it can cause pain and damage to the skin or surrounding tissues. Let your nurse know right away if you feel pain any pain, burning, or warmth during your vinorelbine infusion because they’ll need to stop the infusion right away.

                  risk-warning

                  Serious nerve problems

                  • Risk factors: Nerve pain from other conditions

                    Vinorelbine might cause damage to the nerves in your fingers and toes. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or pain in your fingers and/or toes. There’s no proven way to prevent this side effect, so it’s important to let your provider know if you feel these symptoms. Depending on how serious your symptoms are, such as if they’re preventing you from doing normal daily activities, your provider might pause or stop vinorelbine to prevent it from getting worse.

                    risk-warning

                    Serious lung problems

                    Though rare, some people taking vinorelbine have experienced serious lung problems like interstitial lung disease (ILD) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Talk to your provider right away if you experience sudden or worsening cough, trouble breathing, fast breathing, fever, or a rattling or clicking sound when you breathe. Your provider might ask you to pause or stop vinorelbine while they figure out the cause.

                    risk-warning

                    Harm to unborn baby

                    Based on animal studies, vinorelbine might harm an unborn baby or raise the risk for miscarriage (pregnancy loss). Because of these risks, if you can get pregnant, you should use birth control while taking vinorelbine and for 6 months after the last dose. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant while taking vinorelbine. If you’re a male who is sexually active with a partner who’s able to get pregnant, use condoms during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

                    dosage

                    Vinorelbine dosage forms

                    Typical dosing for Vinorelbine

                    Your provider will calculate your dose of vinorelbine based on your body surface area (BSA), which takes into account your height and weight.

                    The typical dose is 25-30 mg/m2 given intravenously (IV) once a week by a healthcare provider.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Vinorelbine and other drugs

                    Vinorelbine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Vinorelbine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Vinorelbine?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Vinorelbine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Vinorelbine
                    Used for:

                    • Treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer either alone or in combination with cisplatin

                    View Prices
                    Docetaxel (Taxotere)
                    Used for:

                    • Breast cancer

                    • Non-small cell lung cancer

                    • Prostate cancer

                    • Stomach cancer

                    • Head and neck cancer

                    View Prices

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Actavis Pharma, Inc. (2022). Vinorelbine injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    American Cancer Society. (2020). Fever.

                    American Cancer Society. (2023). Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia).

                    View All References (16)

                    American Lung Association. (n.d.). Interstitial lung disease (ILD).

                    Arora, R. D., et al. (2023). Vinca alkaloid toxicity. StatPearls.

                    Boschi, R., et al (2012). Extravasation of antineoplastic agents: Prevention and treatments. Pediatric Reports.

                    Brown, T. J., et al. (2019). Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Journal of the American Medical Association Oncology.

                    Cooper, G. M. (2000). Microtubules. The Cell: A Molecular Approach, 2nd edition.

                    Kruse, M., et al. (2018). Management of chemotherapy-induced alopecia with scalp cooling.

                    McMillan, S. C., et al. (2013). Trajectory of medication-induced constipation in patients with cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum.

                    National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Port.

                    National Cancer Institute. (2023). Non-small cell lung cancer treatment (PDQ®)–Patient version.

                    National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). What you need to know: Neutropenia and risk for infection.

                    National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). Anemia and neutropenia: Low red and white blood cell counts.

                    National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). Invasive breast cancer.

                    National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). Uterine cancer: Endometrial cancer uterine sarcoma.

                    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is acute respiratory distress syndrome?

                    Sauerland, C., et al. (2006). Vesicant extravasation part I: Mechanisms, pathogenesis, and nursing care to reduce risk. Oncology Nursing Forum.

                    West, H. J. (2017). Chemotherapy-induced hair loss (alopecia). Journal of the American Medical Association Oncology.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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