Vinblastine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Velban, Velbe
Precautions While Using This MedicineIt is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits
to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for
unwanted effects.
While you are being treated with vinblastine, and after you stop treatment
with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations)
without your doctor's approval
. Vinblastine may lower your body's resistance
and there is a chance you might get the infection the immunization is meant
to prevent. Other people living in your household should not take oral polio
vaccine since there is a chance they could pass the polio virus on to you.
Also, avoid persons who have taken oral polio vaccine within the past several
months. Do not get close to them, and do not stay in the same room with them
for very long. If you cannot take these precautions, you should consider wearing
a protective face mask that covers the nose and mouth.
Vinblastine can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your
blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the
number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this
occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood
count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:
-
If you can, avoid people with infections. Check
with your doctor immediately
if you think you are getting an infection
or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain,
or painful or difficult urination.
-
Check with your doctor immediately
if
you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; blood in
urine or stools; or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
-
Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick.
Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your
teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work
done.
-
Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have
just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.
-
Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such
as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
-
Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury
could occur.
If vinblastine accidentally seeps out of the vein into which it is injected,
it may damage the skin and cause some scarring. Tell the
doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at the
place of injection
.
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