Vinorelbine
Vinorelbine is an antineoplastic vinca alkaloid used in the treatment of certain cancers, particularly non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer. It works by disrupting microtubule assembly, which prevents cancer cells from dividing and multiplying. As a chemotherapy agent, it is typically administered intravenously under medical supervision.
Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy drug that stops cancer cell division by disrupting microtubule function.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01CA04
- RxNorm
- 39541
- Generic
- Vinorelbine
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Navelbine
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 60-80 mg/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 60-80 mg/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 60 mg/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits outweigh risks to mother
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during second trimester unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use close to term due to risk of neonatal toxicity
fetal monitoring and assessment of fetal well-being
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingnot applicable
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 9 days after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno standard dose reduction; individualize based on patient condition
use with caution due to increased susceptibility to myelosuppression and neurotoxicity; monitor closely
complete blood count monitoring and assessment of neurological function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot established
use only in clinical trials or when benefits outweigh risks; limited safety and efficacy data available
close monitoring for hematologic and neurologic toxicity
renal_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment required
no significant renal excretion; monitor renal function for other reasons
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data in severe renal impairment; use with close monitoring
monitor renal function and hematologic parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildconsider dose reduction to 50% of standard dose
vinorelbine undergoes hepatic metabolism; reduce dose in mild hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests and blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severesignificant dose reduction or avoid
use with extreme caution or avoid in moderate to severe hepatic impairment due to significantly altered pharmacokinetics
frequent monitoring of liver function, bilirubin, and hematologic parameters
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for Vinorelbine
Drug class
Antineoplastic agent classification
Primary indications
Approved therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Vinorelbine is indicated for the treatment of certain solid tumors, most commonly non-small cell lung cancer and advanced breast cancer. It may be used as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy medications.
Vinorelbine is a vinca alkaloid that interferes with microtubule assembly, which is essential for cell division. By binding to tubulin, it inhibits mitosis at the metaphase stage, preventing cancer cells from dividing and proliferating.
Vinorelbine is administered intravenously by healthcare professionals. Common side effects include bone marrow suppression (low blood counts), neurotoxicity, nausea, and fatigue. It requires careful monitoring of blood counts and liver function. Patients should report signs of infection, unusual bleeding, or severe constipation.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy