INN monograph
Vinorelbine
Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class) · POM
Source-linked · Updated 03 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class))
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients.
- Additional absolute contraindications are indication- and product-specific — consult SmPC.
Precautions
- Toxicity: Monitor hepatic function prior to initiation and during treatment ( 5.2 ) Severe constipation and bowel obstruction, including necrosis and perforation, occur.
- Institute a prophylactic bowel regimen to mitigate potential constipation, bowel obstruction and/or paralytic ileus ( 5.3 ) Extravasation can result in severe tissue injury, local tissue necrosis and/or thrombophlebitis.
- Immediately stop vinorelbine and institute recommended management procedures ( 5.4 ) Neurologic Toxicity: Severe sensory and motor neuropathies occur.
- Monitor patients for new or worsening signs and symptoms of neuropathy.
- Discontinue for Grade 2 or greater neuropathy ( 5.5 ) Pulmonary toxicity and respiratory failure occur.
- Interrupt vinorelbine in patients who develop unexplained dyspnea or have any evidence of pulmonary toxicity.
- Permanently discontinue for confirmed interstitial pneumonitis or ARDS ( 5.6 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm.
- Advise females of reproductive potential of potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception ( 5.7 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Myelosuppression Myelosuppression, manifested by neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia, occur in patients receiving vinorelbine as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )] .
- Neutropenia is the major dose-limiting toxicity with vinorelbine.
- Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 53% of patients treated with vinorelbine at 30 mg/m 2 per week.
- Dose adjustment due to myelosuppression occurred in 51% of patients (Study 2).
- In clinical trials with vinorelbine administered at 30 mg/m 2 per week, neutropenia resulted in hospitalizations for pyrexia and/or sepsis in 8% of patients.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
cisplatin: 25 to 30 mg/m 2 as an intravenous injection or infusion once weekly ( 2.1 ) Single agent: 30 mg/m 2 as intravenously once a week ( 2.1 ) Adjust dose in patients with decreased neutrophil counts or elevated serum total bilirubin ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage In Combination with Cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 The recommended dosage of Vinorelbine Injection is 25 mg/m 2 administered as an intravenous injection or infusion over 6 to 10 minutes on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of a 28-day cycle in combination with cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 on Day 1 only of each 28-day cycle. In Combination with Cisplatin 120 mg/m 2 The recommended dosage of Vinorelbine Injection is 30 mg/m 2 administered as an intravenous injection or infusion over 6 to 10 minutes once a week in combination with cisplatin 120 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 29, then every 6 weeks. Single Agent The recommended dosage of Vinorelbine Injection is 30 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 6 to 10 minutes once a week. 2.2 Dosage Modifications Myelosuppression Hold or decrease the dose of Vinorelbine Injection in patients with decreased neutrophil counts according to the following schema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]: Neutrophils on Day of Treatment (cells/mm 3 ) Percentage of Starting Dose of Vinorelbine Injection ≥ 1,500 100% 1,000 to 1,499 50% < 1,000 Do not administer Vinorelbine Injection. Repeat neutrophil count in one week. If three consecutive weekly doses are held because neutrophil count is < 1,000 cells/mm 3 , discontinue Vinorelbine Injection Note: For patients who experience fever and/or sepsis while neutrophil count is < 1,500 cells/mm 3 or had 2 consecutive weekly doses held due to neutropenia, subsequent doses of Vinorelbine Injection should be: > 1,500 75% 1,000 to 1,499 37.5% < 1,000 Do not administer Vinorelbine Injection. Repeat neutrophil count in one week. Hepatic Impairment/Toxicity Reduce Vinorelbine Injection dose in patients with elevated serum total bilirubin concentration according to the following schema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] : Serum Total Bilirubin Concentration (mg/dl) Percentage of Starting Dose of Vinorelbine Injection ≤ 2.0 100% 2.1 to 3.0 50% > 3.0 25% Concurrent Myelosuppression and Hepatic Impairment/Toxicity In patients with both myelosuppression and hepatic impairment/toxicity, administer the lower of the doses based on the corresponding starting dose of Vinorelbine Injection determined from the above schemas. Neurologic Toxicity Discontinue Vinorelbine Injection for Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade 2 or higher peripheral neuropathy or autonomic neuropathy causing constipation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]. 2.3 Preparation and Administration Preparation Dilute Vinorelbine Injection in an intravenous bag to a concentration between 0.5 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL. Use one of the following recommended solutions for dilution: 5% Dextrose Injection, USP 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Ringer's Injection, USP Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP Stability and Storage Conditions of Diluted Solutions Diluted Vinorelbine Injection may be used for up to 24 hours under normal room light when stored in polyvinyl chloride bags at 5° to 30°C (41° to 86°F). Administration Administer diluted Vinorelbine Injection over 6 to 10 minutes into the side port of a free-flowing intravenous line followed by flushing with at least 75 to 125 mL of one of the solutions. Vinorelbine Injection must only be administered intravenously. It is extremely important that the intravenous needle or catheter be properly positioned before any Vinorelbine Injection is injected. Parenteral drug products should be visually inspected for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. If particulate matter is seen, Vinorelbine Injection should not be administered. Management of Suspected Extravasation If Vinorelbine Injection leakage into surrounding tissue occurs or is suspected, immediately stop administration of Vinorelbine Injection and initiate appropriate management measures in accordance with institutional policies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. 2.4 Procedures for Proper Handling and Disposal Vinorelbine Injection is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures 1 . Exercise caution in handling and preparing the solution of Vinorelbine Injection. The use of gloves is recommended. If the solution of Vinorelbine Injection contacts the skin or mucosa, immediately wash the skin or mucosa thoroughly with soap and water. Avoid contamination of the eye with Vinorelbine Injection. If exposure occurs, flush the eyes with water immediately and thoroughly. Discard unused portion.
Paediatric
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of vinorelbine in pediatric patients have not been established. Results from a single-arm study of vinorelbine administered at the dose of 33.75 mg/m 2 (for 35 patients) or at the dose of 30 mg/m 2 (for 11 patients) every week for 6 weeks followed by 2 weeks of rest were evaluated (courses of 8 weeks). Forty-six patients age 1 to 25 (median 11 years) with recurrent solid malignant tumors, including rhabdomyosarcoma or undifferentiated sarcoma (N=21 patients), neuroblastoma (N= 4 patients) and central nervous system (CNS) tumors (N=21 patients), were enrolled. The most significant grade 3 or 4 hematological adverse reactions were neutropenia (70%) and anemia (33%). The most significant grade 3 or 4 non-hematological adverse reactions were motor (15%) or cranial (13%) neuropathy, hypoxia (13%) and dyspnea (11%). Objective tumor response was observed in 2 out of 21 patients with rhabdomyosarcoma or undifferentiated sarcoma. No objective tumor response was observed in patients with CNS tumors (N=21) or neuroblastoma (N=4).
Renal
Review renal impairment dosing; many agents need CrCl/eGFR adjustment.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Review hepatic impairment dosing; monitor LFTs if agent is hepatically cleared or hepatotoxic.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Professional use: confirm indication, dose, duration, monitoring and patient counselling points against current Kenya STG / EML and the product SmPC.
- Document allergy status and key interactions.
Safety
Adverse effects
- labeling: Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hepatic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Severe Constipation and Bowel Obstruction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Extravasation and Tissue Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Neurologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Pulmonary Toxicity and Respiratory Failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) are leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, nausea, vomiting, constipation, asthenia, injection site reaction and peripheral neuropathy ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sagent Pharmaceuticals at 1-866-625-1618 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under varying designs and in different patient populations, the adverse reaction rates reported in one clinical trial may not be easily compared to those rates reported in another clinical trial and may not reflect the rates actually observed in clinical practice.
- Single Agent The data below reflect exposure to vinorelbine as a single agent administered at a dose of 30 mg/m 2 on a weekly basis to 365 patients enrolled in 3 controlled studies for metastatic NSCLC and advanced breast cancer.
- The population included 143 patients with previously untreated metastatic NSCLC (Study 3) who received a median of 8 doses of vinorelbine.
- The patients were aged 32 to 79 (median 61 years), 71% were male, 91% White, 48% had adenocarcinoma histology.
- The data also reflect exposure to vinorelbine in 222 patients with previously treated advanced breast cancer who received a median of 10 doses of vinorelbine.
- Vinorelbine is not indicated for the treatment of breast cancer.
- Selected adverse reactions reported in these studies are provided in Tables 1 and 2 .
- The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) of single agent vinorelbine were leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), nausea, vomiting, constipation, asthenia, injection site reaction and peripheral neuropathy.
- The most common (≥ 5%) Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, increased total bilirubin, increased AST, injection site reaction and asthenia.
- Approximately 49% of patients with NSCLC who were treated with vinorelbine experienced at least one dose reduction due to an adverse reaction.
- Thirteen percent of patients discontinued vinorelbine due to adverse reactions.
- The most frequent adverse reactions leading to vinorelbine discontinuation were asthenia, dyspnea, nausea, constipation, anorexia, myasthenia and fever.
- Table 1: Hematologic Adverse Reactions Experienced in > 5% of Patients Receiving Vinorelbine *† : * Grade based on modified criteria from the National Cancer Institute version 1. † Patients with NSCLC had not received prior chemotherapy.
- The majority of the remaining patients had received prior chemotherapy.
Use
Indications
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Vinorelbine Injection is indicated: In combination with cisplatin for first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) As a single agent for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC Vinorelbine Injection is a vinca alkaloid indicated: In combination with cisplatin for first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ( 1 ) As a single agent for first-line treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC ( 1 )
Pharmacology
Mode of action
assembly.
Full mechanism text
assembly. The antitumor activity of vinorelbine is thought to be due primarily to inhibition of mitosis at metaphase through its interaction with tubulin. Vinorelbine may also interfere with: 1) amino acid, cyclic AMP and glutathione metabolism, 2) calmodulin-dependent Ca++-transport ATPase activity, 3) cellular respiration, and 4) nucleic acid and lipid biosynthesis. Vinorelbine inhibited mitotic microtubule formation in intact mouse embryo tectal plates at a concentration of 2 μM inducing a blockade of cells at metaphase, but produced depolymerization of axonal microtubules at a concentration 40 μM, suggesting a modest selectivity of vinorelbine for mitotic microtubules.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Product-specific |
|---|---|
| Duration | Product-specific |
| Route | INTRAVENOUS |
| Distribution | Steady-state volume of distribution (V SS ) values range from 25.4 to 40.1 L/kg. Vinorelbine demonstrated high binding to human platelets and lymphocytes. The free fraction was approximately 0.11 in human plasma over a concentration range of 234 to 1169 ng/mL. The binding to plas... |
| Metabolism | Vinorelbine undergoes substantial hepatic |
| Elimination | The terminal phase |
| Half-life | averages 27.7 to 43.6 hours and the mean plasma clearance ranges from 0.97 to 1.26 L/hr/kg. |
Full PK/PD text
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Vinorelbine is a vinca alkaloid that interferes with microtubule assembly. The antitumor activity of vinorelbine is thought to be due primarily to inhibition of mitosis at metaphase through its interaction with tubulin. Vinorelbine may also interfere with: 1) amino acid, cyclic AMP and glutathione metabolism, 2) calmodulin-dependent Ca++-transport ATPase activity, 3) cellular respiration, and 4) nucleic acid and lipid biosynthesis. Vinorelbine inhibited mitotic microtubule formation in intact mouse embryo tectal plates at a concentration of 2 μM inducing a blockade of cells at metaphase, but produced depolymerization of axonal microtubules at a concentration 40 μM, suggesting a modest selectivity of vinorelbine for mitotic microtubules. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics The pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine were studied in 49 patients who received doses of 30 mg/m 2 administered as 15- to 20-minute constant-rate infusions. Vinorelbine concentrations in plasma decay in a triphasic manner. Distribution Steady-state volume of distribution (V SS ) values range from 25.4 to 40.1 L/kg. Vinorelbine demonstrated high binding to human platelets and lymphocytes. The free fraction was approximately 0.11 in human plasma over a concentration range of 234 to 1169 ng/mL. The binding to plasma constituents in cancer patients ranged from 79.6% to 91.2%. Vinorelbine binding was not altered in the presence of cisplatin, fluorouracil, or doxorubicin. Elimination The terminal phase half-life averages 27.7 to 43.6 hours and the mean plasma clearance ranges from 0.97 to 1.26 L/hr/kg. Metabolism Vinorelbine undergoes substantial hepatic elimination in humans, with large amounts recovered in feces. Two metabolites of vinorelbine have been identified in human blood, plasma and urine; vinorelbine N-oxide and deacetylvinorelbine. Deacetylvinorelbine has been demonstrated to be the primary metabolite of vinorelbine in humans and has been shown to possess antitumor activity similar to vinorelbine. Therapeutic doses of vinorelbine (30 mg/m 2 ) yield very small, if any, quantifiable levels of either metabolite in blood or urine. The metabolism of vinorelbine is mediated by hepatic CYP3A. Excretion After intravenous administration of radioactive vinorelbine, approximately 18% and 46% of administered radioactivity was recovered in urine and feces, respectively. In a different study, 10.9% ± 0.7% of a 30 mg/m 2 intravenous dose was excreted as parent drug in urine. Specific Populations Age has no effect on the pharmacokinetics (CL, V SS and t 1/2 ) of vinorelbine. Drug Interaction Studies The pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine are not influenced by the concurrent administration of cisplatin.
Kenya
Brands & prices
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Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] , vinorelbine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Available human data are insufficient to inform the drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies in mice and rabbits, embryo and fetal toxicity were observed with administration of vinorelbine at doses approximately 0.33 and 0.18 times the human therapeutic dose, respectively (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In a mouse embryo-fetal development study, administration of a single dose of vinorelbine at a dose level of 9 mg/m 2 or greater (approximately 0.33 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) was embryotoxic and fetotoxic. Vinorelbine was embryotoxic and fetotoxic to pregnant rabbits when administered every 6 days during the period of organogenesis at doses of 5.5 mg/m 2 (approximately 0.18 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) or greater. At doses that did not cause maternal toxicity in either species, vinorelbine administration resulted in reduced fetal weight and delayed ossification.
Lactation
Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] , vinorelbine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Available human data are insufficient to inform the drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies in mice and rabbits, embryo and fetal toxicity were observed with administration of vinorelbine at doses approximately 0.33 and 0.18 times the human therapeutic dose, respectively (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In a mouse embryo-fetal development study, administration of a single dose of vinorelbine at a dose level of 9 mg/m 2 or greater (approximately 0.33 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) was embryotoxic and fetotoxic. Vinorelbine was embryotoxic and fetotoxic to pregnant rabbits when administered every 6 days during the period of organogenesis at doses of 5.5 mg/m 2 (approximately 0.18 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) or greater. At doses that did not cause maternal toxicity in either species, vinorelbine administration resulted in reduced fetal weight and delayed ossification. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of vinorelbine in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from vinorelbine, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with vinorelbine and for 9 days after the final dose. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating vinorelbine [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. Contraception Females Vinorelbine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with vinorelbine and for 6 months after the final dose. Males Vinorelbine may damage spermatozoa [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )]. Advise males with female sexual partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with vinorelbine and for 3 months after the final dose. Infertility Males Based on animal findings, vinorelbine may impair fertility in males [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )]. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of vinorelbine in pediatric patients have not been established. Results from a single-arm study of vinorelbine administered at the dose of 33.75 mg/m 2 (for 35 patients) or at the dose of 30 mg/m 2 (for 11 patients) every week for 6 weeks followed by 2 weeks of rest were evaluated (courses of 8 weeks). Forty-six patients age 1 to 25 (median 11 years) with recurrent solid malignant tumors, including rhabdomyosarcoma or undifferentiated sarcoma (N=21 patients), neuroblastoma (N= 4 patients) and central nervous system (CNS) tumors (N=21 patients), were enrolled. The most significant grade 3 or 4 hematological adverse reactions were neutropenia (70%) and anemia (33%). The most significant grade 3 or 4 non-hematological adverse reactions were motor (15%) or cranial (13%) neuropathy, hypoxia (13%) and dyspnea (11%). Objective tumor response was observed in 2 out of 21 patients with rhabdomyosarcoma or undifferentiated sarcoma. No objective tumor response was observed in patients with CNS tumors (N=21) or neuroblastoma (N=4). 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 769 number of patients who received vinorelbine as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin in studies 1, 2 and 3, 247 patients were 65 years of age or older. No overall differences in safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic parameters were observed between these patients and younger patients [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 8.6 Hepatic Impairment The influence of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine has not been evaluated, but the liver plays an important role in the metabolism of vinorelbine. Elevated AST occurs in >60% of the patients receiving vinorelbine as a single agent (6% Grade 3-4). Therefore, exercise caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Reduce the dose of vinorelbine for patients with elevated serum total bilirubin concentrations [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Drug & food interactions (label) 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Inhibitors of CYP3A4: May cause earlier onset and/or increased severity of adverse reactions ( 7.1 ) 7.1 CYP3A Inhibitors Exercise caution in patients concurrently taking drugs known to inhibit CYP3A. Concurrent administration of vinorelbine with a CYP3A inhibitor may cause an earlier onset and/or an increased severity of adverse reactions.
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class))
Clinical review date not recorded.
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.