Here is some information about Navelbine, including some of the possible side effects from the chemo section of our own website at
www.her2support.org.
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Navelbine:
- Low blood counts. Your white and red blood cells may temporarily decrease. This can put you at increased risk for infection or anemia.
Nadir: Meaning low point, nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts.
Onset: 4-7 days
Nadir: 7-10 days
Recovery: 14-21 days
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
The following are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving Navelbine:
- Pain along the site where Navelbine was given
- Peripheral neuropathy (numbness in your fingers and toes) may occur with repeated doses. This should be reported to your healthcare provider.
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Low platelet (these help to clot the blood) counts. This can put you at increased risk for bleeding.
Not all side effects are listed above, some that are rare (occurring in less than 10% of patients) are not listed here. However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
When To Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.5º F (38º C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not emergency situations. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following.
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medications)
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24-hour period)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools or urine
- Constipation
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
- Lip or mouth sores
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Navelbine Precautions:
Before starting Navelbine treatment, make sure you tell your doctor, as well as all healthcare providers, about any other medications you are taking (including overthecounter, vitamins, or herbal remedies). Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin unless your healthcare provider permits this.
Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment. Pregnancy category D (Navelbine may be hazardous to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or become pregnant must be advised of the potential hazard to the fetus).
For both men and women: Do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Navelbine. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended. Discuss with your doctor when you may safely become pregnant or conceive a child after therapy.
Do not breast feed while taking Navelbine.
Navelbine Self Care Tips:
- Apply warm compress if you have any pain, redness or swelling at the IV site, and notify your doctor.
- Keep your bowels moving. Your health care provider may prescribe a stool softener to help prevent constipation that may be caused by Navelbine.
- If you experience diarrhea of greater than 3- 5 stools per day, contact your healthcare provider and increase your fluid intake.
- Drink 2 to 3 quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you were told to restrict your fluid intake, and maintain good nutrition. This will decrease your chances of being constipated, and prevent dehydration.
- You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your healthcare provider.
- Wash your hands often.
- Use an electric razor and soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding.
- Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sun block and protective clothing.
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
- Keep your mouth clean with baking soda and salt rinses. You can mix 1/4 tsp. of baking soda and 1/4 tsp. salt in 8 ounces of water, and use as a mouthwash, to avoid or decrease the severity of mouth sores.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be minimized or avoided. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
Monitoring and Testing While Taking Navelbine:
Periodic blood work will be obtained to monitor your complete blood count (CBC). Your doctor will order blood tests and other tests as needed to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy.