Velbastine Special Precautions

Patients with hepatic disorder; renal disorder; bone marrow depression; infections; history of muscular or neural disease; chickenpox (fatal systemic disorder may occur.)
When cachexia or ulcerated areas of the skin are present, a more profound leukopenic response may be produced by Vinblastine sulfate; therefore, the drug should be avoided in geriatric patients suffering from either of these conditions.
Blood cell counts have sometimes fallen precipitously after moderate doses of Vinblastine sulfate in patients with malignant cell infiltration of the bone marrow. Adverse effects such as bone marrow depression, peripheral nerve disorder may occur; therefore, frequent clinical tests (blood test, liver function, renal function test) should be done and the patients should be observed sufficiently. If any symptoms occur, the administration should be discontinued or reduced. Prolonged therapy may have severe adverse effects; therefore, the administration should be considered.
Manifestation of bleeding tendency and infection should be cautioned.
If leukopenia with less than 2,000 white blood cells/mm³ occurs, following a dose of Vinblastine sulfate, the patient should be observed carefully for evidence of infection until the white-blood-cell count has returned to a safe level.
Others: Vinca alkaloids have been reported to cause myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction in either alone or in combination with other antineoplastic drugs.
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation: Animal studies have demonstrated teratogenic effects, Vinblastine Sulfate should not be administered in pregnant women or women suspected of pregnancy. Safety use in lactation has not been established and therefore breast feeding should be avoided during the therapy.
Use in Children: Use in children should be cautioned about manifestation of adverse effects, and the administration should be considered.
Use in children or patients of child-bearing potential should be considered about effects on gonad.