Cytoblastin

Cytoblastin is an injection containing the active ingredient Vinblastine Sulphate. It is used in the palliative treatment of various forms of cancer including Hodgkin`s disease, lymphocytic lymphoma, histiocytic lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, carcinoma of the testes, Kaposi`s sarcoma and Letterer-Siwe disease (histiocytosis X). Vinblastine is a vinca alkaloid that inhibit microtubule formation in the mitotic spindle within cancer cells, slowing their progress.

Cytoblastin is administered via intravenous injection.

Starting dosages are usually 3.7mg/m2 of body surface area for adults. This is given at increasing dosage over weekly intervals to a maximal dose of 18.5 mg/m2 body surface area.

Certain populations and certain conditions will require specific dosages to be prescribed. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your doctor.

Side effects that have been reported during use of Vinblastine include:

• leucopenia
• anaemia
• thrombocytopenia
• alopecia
• paresthesias
• constipation
• hypertension
• malaise
• bone pain
• weakness
• pain in tumor-containing tissue
• dizziness
• jaw pain

Cytoblastin must be given only by intravenous administration. Taking Vinblastine by any other route can result in fatality.

Do not use when significant granulocytopenia is present, unless this is caused by the disease being treated.

Do not use in cases of bacterial infections. The infections must be brought under control prior to the initiation of therapy with vinblastine sulfate.