Vinorelbine
Say it: vin-OR-el-been · Brand names: Navelbine
Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing.
What it is
Cells need tiny inner tubes to split into two new cells. Vinorelbine stops these tubes from forming. This keeps the cancer cell from dividing.
Often used for
- non-small cell lung cancer
- and sometimes breast cancer and other cancers
How you get it
Vinorelbine is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion is short, about 6 to 10 minutes. It is often given once a week. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Low white blood cell count. Wash your hands often and stay away from sick people.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Constipation. Drink fluids, stay active, and ask about a stool softener.
- Upset stomach. Eat small meals and take nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Tell your team if it gets worse.
- Pain or redness at the IV site. Tell your nurse right away if it hurts.
- Hair thinning. Use a gentle shampoo.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Chills, a sore throat, a cough, or burning when you pee (signs of infection)
- No bowel movement for 3 days, or belly pain and swelling
- Pain, redness, swelling, or burning where the IV went in
- New cough or shortness of breath
- Trouble walking or weakness in your legs
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have liver problems
- If you have nerve problems
- If you have had radiation
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- You will have blood tests before each treatment to check your blood counts.
- Your dose may be held if your white blood cell count is too low.
- It can damage the skin if it leaks out of the vein. Your nurse will flush the IV after the dose.
- Rarely, it can cause serious lung problems. Tell your team about any new breathing trouble.
Questions to ask
- How many weeks will I get this?
- What should I do to prevent constipation?
- What if my blood counts are too low on treatment day?
- What side effects should make me call right away?
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 Vinorelbine?
- Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing. Brand names: Navelbine.
- What is Vinorelbine used for?
- non-small cell lung cancer; and sometimes breast cancer and other cancers.
- How is Vinorelbine given?
- Vinorelbine is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion is short, about 6 to 10 minutes. It is often given once a week. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Vinorelbine?
- Low white blood cell count. Feeling tired. Constipation. Upset stomach. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Pain or redness at the IV site. Hair thinning.
- When should I call my care team while taking Vinorelbine?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Chills, a sore throat, a cough, or burning when you pee (signs of infection); No bowel movement for 3 days, or belly pain and swelling; Pain, redness, swelling, or burning where the IV went in; New cough or shortness of breath; Trouble walking or weakness in your legs.
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.