What is this drug and how does it work?
Vinorelbine stops the cell from building the fibres it needs to divide, and so stops cancer cells from dividing [1].
For physicians
A semi-synthetic vinca alkaloid; inhibits tubulin polymerisation and arrests mitosis [1].
Which cancers is it used for?
For physicians
How it is given and dose
Show detailsHide
Once a week, a short injection (6 to 10 minutes) into a vein, followed by flushing the vein with a drip [1].
For physicians
Standard dose (FDA label)
Vinorelbine
Non-small cell lung cancerCycle length: Weekly
Non-small cell lung cancer
| Drug | Dose | Route | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| With cisplatin 100 | |||
| Vinorelbine | 25 mg/m² | IV over 6 to 10 minutes | Days 1, 8, 15 and 22 every 28 days |
| Single agent | |||
| Vinorelbine | 30 mg/m² | IV | Weekly |
With cisplatin 100 mg/m² on day 1 every 28 days. Reduce the dose with neutropenia or raised bilirubin. Vesicant: IV only, and avoid extravasation [1].
Doses follow the trial protocol, guideline or official drug label (source given in the notes of each regimen). Before prescribing, check blood counts, renal and hepatic function, drug interactions and the patient’s condition, and adjust the dose according to the drug label.
Side effects
The most common side effects: low white blood cells, tiredness, nausea, constipation, mild hair loss, and pain or inflammation of the vein at the injection site [1].
For physicians
Neutropenia (dose-limiting; boxed warning), anaemia, raised liver enzymes, nausea, constipation, asthenia, injection-site phlebitis [1].
Serious side effects
Serious side effects: infection with low white blood cells, severe constipation and bowel blockage, numbness in the hands and feet, lung damage, and skin damage if the drug leaks out of the vein [1].
For physicians
- Myelosuppression: blood count before each dose [1].
- Severe constipation and ileus: preventive laxatives [1].
- Neuropathy, pulmonary toxicity, hepatotoxicity [1].
- Vesicant; for extravasation, follow the extravasation lesson [1].
When should I call my doctor?
- A temperature of 38 °C or higher
- Constipation for more than 3 days, or abdominal pain
- Burning, swelling or redness at the injection site
- New shortness of breath
Interactions, pregnancy and precautions
- Constipation: enough fluids and a laxative as your doctor advises from the day of the injection [1].
- Other medicines: antifungals and clarithromycin raise the amount of the drug [1].
- Pregnancy: this drug may harm an unborn baby; use effective contraception during treatment and tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant. Do not breastfeed during treatment [1].
Frequently asked questions
Does vinorelbine make your hair fall out?
Hair loss is usually mild [1].
Related cancer types
References
3 referencesShow all referencesClose the reference list
Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.
- 1
- 2
- 3
This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 28 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.
Printed from the website; the full and up-to-date version: https://drdabiri.com/en/drugs/vinorelbine/