CYTOBLASTINE INJECTION

Introduction:

Cytoblastine Injection is a chemotherapy medication containing the active constituent vinblastine. It is used to treat cancers of the kidney, breast, placenta, testicles, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes (Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma). Cancer is a disorder in which cells multiply in an abnormal and uncontrolled manner. 

Cytoblastine Injection may be given alone or in combination with other chemotherapy medications. Before taking this medication, you need to talk to your doctor if you have infections, liver disorders, or other diseases. Discuss with your physician if you are on a salt-controlled diet as this medication contains sodium. 

Use effective birth control during the treatment with Cytoblastine Injection. This medication may be used in the treatment of other types of cancers not mentioned here.

Uses of Cytoblastine Injection:

• Cancers of the kidney, breast, placenta, testicles, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes (Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma)

How Cytoblastine Injection works:

Cytoblastine Injection inhibits the microtubule structures within the cell. Microtubule structures help cancer cells to divide and multiply. Inhibition of these structures slows the growth of cancer cells.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

• Keep Cytoblastine Injection out of sight and reach of children.
• Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).

References:

1. Hospira UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Sept 2020] [ Accessed on 1st Dec 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1422.pdf
2. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1706.
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 865.
4. HY Yap; Vinblastine given as a continuous 5-day infusion in the treatment of refractory advanced breast cancer; Cancer Treatment Reports; Published on March 1980; Accessed on 01/12/2021; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7407762/

How to use Cytoblastine Injection:

It will be given to you by a health care professional.

Safety advice:

Pregnancy:

Cytoblastine Injection may harm the unborn baby. You need to tell your physician if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medicine. 

Breastfeeding:

You need to tell your physician if you are breastfeeding before taking Cytoblastine Injection. It will be given to you if clearly needed.

Liver:

You need to tell your physician if you have any liver disorders before taking Cytoblastine Injection as this medication should be used with caution in liver disease patients.

Driving: 

Cytoblastine Injection may cause side effects that could impair your driving ability. Avoid driving if you are unwell.

Others:

• Talk to your physician if you have infections or other diseases before taking Cytoblastine Injection.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Severe allergic reactions (difficulty in breathing or swallowing, swelling of hands, feet, lips, mouth, or throat, itchy rash)
• Swelling or pain at the site of injection (during or immediately after the injection)

Common:

• Low blood counts
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting