Cancerhelp.org explains that "vinorelbine (Navelbine) is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to the group of drugs called plant alkaloids." Navelbine works by preventing the cancer cells from splitting. Therefore, it stops the growth of the cancer cells. It also kills cancer cells and is used to treat breast cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer, states Cancerhelp.org. As with many chemotherapy drugs, there are many side effects associated with Navelbine, some of which can be severe.
Hematologic/Hepatic Side Effects
Hematologic and hepatic side effects have been reported and were severe in those taking Navelbine. Symptoms have included blockage in the artery of the lungs (pulmonary embolus), blood clots and decreased number of white blood cells due to decrease production by the bone marrow. This condition, known as granulocytopenia, has been reported in up to 92 percent of patients, states Drugs.com. Hepatic side effects as reported by drugs.com include an increase in the enzyme SGOT found in the liver and heart and an increase in bilirubin, a substance found in bile.
Gastrointestinal/Dermatologic Side Effects
Those taking Navelbine have reported nausea (44 percent), constipation (35 percent), vomiting (20 percent) and diarrhea (17 percent). Other reported gastrointestinal side effects include difficulty swallowing and ulceration of the mucous membranes in the intestinal tract (mucositis). Drugs.com states that 12 percent of patinets have reported hair loss and less than 5 percent a rash. Other patients have experienced itching of the skin, blistering of the skin and hives. If any of these persist, contact your doctor immediately.
Cardiovascular/Respiratory Side Effects
Common, less serious cardiovascular side effects include chest pain and flushing. Severe side effects as explained by drugs.com include blood clots, heart attack, swelling beneath the skin, hypertension, hypotension, dilation of the blood vessels and accelerated heart rate. Dyspnea, a sign that there is possible lung disease, has been reported in 7 percent of those taking Navelbine. Other respiratory side effects include shortness of breath, pulmonary edema and pneumonia.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects include headache, muscle and joint pain, pain located in the jaw and whole-body allergic reaction. Inflammation of the bladder has also been reported by less than 1 percent of patients but can lead to severe genitourinary problems, such as hemorrhaging within the bladder and painful urination. Metabolic side effects are rare but have included "the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone," a peptide molecule release by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, states Drugs.com.
General and Local Side Effects
Drugs.com states that there general side effects are physical weakness reported by 36 percent of those taking Navelbine and fatigue reported by 27 percent. Back pain, abdominal pain and pain located in the tumor have also been experienced. Local side effects include itching and other reactions near the injection site and pain near the injection site. Side effects such as fatigue increase as dosage increases.
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