Vinorelbine (Navelbine): What to Expect, Side Effects, and More

Vinorelbine, made from the periwinkle plant, is typically used to treat locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, but is sometimes prescribed for breast cancer that has:

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  locally advanced breast cancer (when the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, but not yet to other parts of the body)

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  secondary (metastatic) breast cancer (when the cancer has spread\ to other parts of the body)

The brand name Navelbine has been discontinued. 

Vinorelbine is a type of chemotherapy called a vinca alkaloid. Vinca alkaloids kill cancer cells by stopping cells from dividing.

Vincristine is another vinca alkaloid.

You’ll receive Vinorelbine in doses of 30 mg per meter squared of body surface area as a single intravenous injection over six to ten minutes each week.

Like almost all breast cancer medicines, vinorelbine can cause side effects, some of them severe.

The most common side effects of vinorelbine are:

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  nausea

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  weakness

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  constipation

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  injection site pain or reaction

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  peripheral neuropathy

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  vomiting

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  diarrhea

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  hair loss

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  blood clots

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  shortness of breath

More serious side effects can occur, including:

Myelosuppression: When white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelet counts drop.  The drop in the production of these cells can leave you at a greater risk of infection,  as well as fatigue, increased heart rate, and easy bruising or bleeding. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts throughout treatment.

Liver toxicity: Some people taking vinorelbine experience liver damage when receiving this chemotherapy. If you notice your skin or the whites of your eyes appear yellow,  your urine appears dark, or you have pain in your abdomen, contact your doctor. 

Neurotoxicity: Rarely, vinorelbine can cause damage to the brain or peripheral nervous system. If you experience limb weakness or numbness, cognitive problems, or vision loss, tell your doctor. 

You should not take vinorelbine if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. 

You should not take Vinorelbine if you’re taking CYP3A inhibitors, including grapefruit juice, erythromycin, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, and verapamil.

Members of our community discuss their experiences with vinorelbine in the community forum. Here are some of their comments. Remember, it's very important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you're having and ask about ways to manage them.

“I did not lose my hair on Navelbine, but it did get thin.” —sueopp

“I just came back from my 4th scan since I started Navelbine twelve months ago.  … lesions in the spleen, mediastinal, and hilar nodes have disappeared. At first, I really had a hard time with the constipation and would have to drink a ton of prune juice. With time, that problem has faded away. Also, the slight neuropathy and eczema have also disappeared.” —lotusblosso

“I started Navelbine this past Tuesday, felt fine that day and Wednesday, but Thursday early morning …serious aches and pains and bone pain in spine and other bone mets spots. But, nothing my regular pain meds didn't cover. The nurse told me to expect increased bone pain in the area where I have spinal mets, and said it would mean probably the Navelbine was "working" on those spots. BUT, OMG the jaw pain! I was not prepared for that!” —DragonGirl

Read more in our vinorelbine discussion forum.

The cost of vinorelbine may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on the drug manufacturer, your health insurance provider and plan, where you live, and the pharmacy you use. 

Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering vinorelbine. 

Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.