This leaflet provides information on vinorelbine chemotherapy. 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 vinorelbine 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 vinorelbine chemotherapy?
This is a chemotherapy treatment which is given as capsules.
Why am I having 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?
You will need to take vinorelbine capsules once a week. Your doctor will discuss how many weeks treatment you will receive.
How should I take the vinorelbine capsules?
Vinorelbine capsules should be taken once a week on the same day every week. 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.
To open the child-resistant packaging:
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.
Can I bring relatives and friends with me?
Currently due to the need to ensure 2m space between patients during COVID-19 we do not usually allow anyone to stay with you during your treatment. If you have any concerns about this please speak to your team before your treatment starts. We may be able to make some exceptions but we will need to be aware of this before the day of treatment.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with this chemotherapy. The doctor, 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.
We have a leaflet that tells you more about coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse for a copy.
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, 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 the feeling of 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 and information
Patients with fructose intolerance should not take vinorelbine capsules as they contain sorbitol.
Women sometimes find that chemotherapy treatment 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.
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.
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.
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
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 leaflet was written by Velindre Cancer Centre healthcare professionals in line with the approved Velindre Cancer Centre protocol. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. The leaflet has been approved by a Velindre Cancer Centre group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and patient representatives. It will be reviewed and updated every 2 years.