This leaflet provides information on a course of chemotherapy called carboplatin and vinorelbine. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it will be given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on this chemotherapy are given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ leaflet. If you haven’t received this leaflet please ask your nurse for a copy.
What is carboplatin and vinorelbine chemotherapy?
This is a chemotherapy treatment which consists of two drugs:
Why am I having carboplatin and vinorelbine chemotherapy?
Your doctor has prescribed this chemotherapy because it has been found to be effective in treating your type of cancer.
How often will I receive my chemotherapy?
For this treatment to be most effective, it is given at specific time intervals. These are known as cycles. It is usual to have carboplatin and vinorelbine chemotherapy every three weeks for up to six cycles. Your doctor will discuss with you the exact number of cycles you receive.
In each cycle you will receive two treatments, one week apart. On day 1 you will be given the carboplatin chemotherapy in a drip, and the vinorelbine as capsules. One week later, on day 8, you will have a telephone assessment and if you are well enough you will take your second dose of vinorelbine.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will see the specialist team before each cycle. You will have regular blood tests and we will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the chemotherapy is affecting you. If your blood results are satisfactory, your chemotherapy will be prescribed.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Your chemotherapy appointment will usually be on a different day to your clinic appointment. The chemotherapy treatment will take about an hour. Please allow an extra 30 minutes for your first treatment.
Can I bring relatives and friends with me?
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.
How will my chemotherapy be given?
On day 1 your carboplatin chemotherapy is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. If needed, it may be suggested that a fine tube called a PICC line is inserted into one of the large veins in your upper arm. This line can remain in place for the whole of your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this with you, if required.
You will be given vinorelbine capsules on day 1 and another treatment to be taken, one week later on day 8.
When should I take the second dose of vinorelbine capsules?
How should I take the vinorelbine capsules?
You must take your anti sickness medication 30-60 minutes before you have your vinorelbine capsules. The capsules should be taken immediately after a light snack and with a glass of water. They must be swallowed whole. Do not chew or crush them.
It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly after handling your capsules.
Do not take any damaged or leaking capsules as they may irritate your mouth. Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Damaged capsules should be placed in a waterproof bag or container and returned to the hospital.
How should I store the vinorelbine capsules?
Your capsules should be stored in the fridge in their original packaging. They are in a child proof wrapper but it is important that they are kept away from children.
Any unused capsules should be returned to the hospital Pharmacy for safe disposal.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with this chemotherapy. The doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Hair loss
This chemotherapy should not make you lose your hair. However, a small number of people may experience some hair thinning.
Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are uncommon these days as we will give you anti-sickness medicines which are usually extremely effective. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine when you are at home after your chemotherapy treatment, then please contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment.
If you develop an infection whilst your white blood cells are low, you are at risk of sepsis, this can be life threatening.
Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade or below 35.5°centigrade The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is not common with this chemotherapy. However, if you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Tiredness and fatigue
Chemotherapy can make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as rest.
Sore mouth
Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Please follow the advice on caring for your mouth in the general chemotherapy leaflet. Your doctor may prescribe mouthwashes or medication to prevent or clear any infection.
Effects on your nerves
Rarely the nerves in your fingers and toes can be affected. This would result in numbness or pins and needles. If you develop any of these problems please tell your doctor or nurse at your next visit to clinic. Although this is rare it is important that you tell your doctor if it happens so that we can modify your treatment before this side effect becomes permanent.
The nerves to your bowel may also be affected. This may result in constipation. If this occurs please contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice.
Blood clots
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Other side effects
A small number of patients experience an allergic type reaction to carboplatin. If this occurs you may feel hot or flushed, itchy, light-headed or generally unwell whilst receiving your chemotherapy. This can be easily treated. Please tell your nurse immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Women sometimes find that chemotherapy affects their periods. They could become heavier, lighter or even stop altogether.
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst having chemotherapy treatment as chemotherapy could damage the unborn baby.
This chemotherapy can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It is best to avoid strong sunlight, wear a hat and use a sun block.
Information for people with fructose intolerance
You should not take vinorelbine capsules as they contain sorbitol.
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
Ask for the treatment helpline if you are unwell at home and need immediate advice at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
This information is also available in Welsh.