Vinflunine - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

• The complete blood count of patients should be monitored before initiating each cycle of vinflunine as abnormal levels of platelets, neutrophils, and red blood cells (RBC) can occur during treatment. • Caution is required while giving vinflunine to patients who have a history of moderate to severe kidney or liver damage and dose reduction should be considered. • Constipation can occur during vinflunine treatment.‍‍‍‍‍‍​​​‍​​​​​​ So, patients must be advised to take laxatives and dietary measures along with oral rehydration from day 1 to day 5 or 7 after each administration of vinflunine. • Vinflunine can cause an increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms and treatment with vinflunine can be discontinued if the patient experiences cardiac ischemia or a heart attack. • Patients should be monitored for any neurological signs of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) such as a headache, confusion, and vision disturbances and treatment should be stopped if the diagnosis is confirmed with brain imaging. • Sodium levels should be monitored during vinflunine treatment as vinflunine can result in low levels of sodium in the blood which requires appropriate medical care. • Men and women should follow an effective contraceptive measure during vinflunine therapy that should continue for at least three months after the last dose of vinflunine. • Patients who wish to have a baby in the future can be guided about storing the sperm or egg in a sperm or egg bank respectively as vinflunine can affect the fertility status of the patients. • Breastfeeding mothers should be advised not to breastfeed their babies as it can cause harm to the babies. • Women of reproductive potential living with active male partners must check their pregnancy status before initiating vinflunine treatment and must start the treatment only if the result is negative.