Vinblastine
Say it: vin-BLAS-teen
Vinblastine is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing.
What it is
Cells build tiny tubes, called microtubules, to pull themselves apart when they divide. Vinblastine blocks these tubes from forming. Without them, cancer cells cannot divide and they die.
Often used for
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- testicular cancer
- some non-Hodgkin lymphomas
- Kaposi sarcoma
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis
- and some other cancers
How you get it
Vinblastine is given through a vein (IV) at the clinic. It takes only a few minutes. For Hodgkin lymphoma it is often given every 2 weeks with other medicines. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Low white blood cell counts, which raise your risk of infection. Wash your hands often and stay away from people who are sick.
- Constipation. Drink fluids, eat fiber, and use the stool softener your team suggests.
- Hair thinning or hair loss. It usually grows back after treatment.
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Tell your team if it gets worse.
- Pain in your jaw, bones, or muscles. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe.
- Nausea. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Feeling tired. Rest when you need to.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- No bowel movement for 3 days, or bad belly pain or swelling
- Pain, burning, redness, or swelling where the IV went in
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling that makes it hard to walk, button clothes, or hold things
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have liver problems
- If you already have numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
- If you have an infection
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Vinblastine must only be given into a vein. It can be deadly if given any other way, such as into the spine. Your team follows strict safety steps for this.
- It can badly hurt the skin and tissue if it leaks out of the vein. Tell your nurse right away if the IV site hurts or burns.
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts before each dose.
- Some medicines, such as certain antifungal medicines, can raise the level of vinblastine in your body and cause more side effects.
Questions to ask
- How often will I get this medicine?
- What should I do to prevent constipation?
- Which nerve symptoms should I report?
- When will my blood counts be checked?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
- Pain
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Vinblastine?
- Vinblastine is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing.
- What is Vinblastine used for?
- Hodgkin lymphoma; testicular cancer; some non-Hodgkin lymphomas; Kaposi sarcoma; Langerhans cell histiocytosis; and some other cancers.
- How is Vinblastine given?
- Vinblastine is given through a vein (IV) at the clinic. It takes only a few minutes. For Hodgkin lymphoma it is often given every 2 weeks with other medicines. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Vinblastine?
- Low white blood cell counts, which raise your risk of infection. Constipation. Hair thinning or hair loss. Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Pain in your jaw, bones, or muscles. Nausea. Feeling tired.
- When should I call my care team while taking Vinblastine?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; No bowel movement for 3 days, or bad belly pain or swelling; Pain, burning, redness, or swelling where the IV went in; Numbness, weakness, or tingling that makes it hard to walk, button clothes, or hold things; Shortness of breath or trouble breathing; Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Vinblastine?
- AAVD, ABVD, Dose-dense MVAC.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.