Vinblastine sulfate is the salt of an alkaloid extracted from Vinca rosea Linn., a common flowering herb known as the periwinkle (more properly known as Catharanthus roseus G. Don). Previously, the generic name was vincaleukoblastine, abbreviated VLB. It is a stathmokinetic oncolytic agent. When treated in vitro with this preparation, growing cells are arrested in metaphase. Chemical and physical evidence indicate that vinblastine sulfate is a dimeric alkaloid containing both indole and dihydroindole moieties. The accompanying structural formula has been proposed. C 46 H 58 N 4 O 9 •H 2 SO 4 M.W. 909.06 Each mL contains: Vinblastine sulfate 1 mg; sodium chloride 9 mg; benzyl alcohol 0.9% (v/v) as a preservative; water for injection, q.s. (pH 3.5 to 5.0). vinbl-struc-01.jpg

What kind of drug is vinblastine?

The FDA classifies vinblastine as a vinca alkaloid. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take vinblastine with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run vinblastine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is vinblastine sold under?

We track 2 vinblastine-containing products in the U.S.: Velban and Vinblastine Sulfate. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does vinblastine come in?

Across the brands we track, vinblastine is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic vinblastine?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic vinblastine product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Vinblastine: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Vinblastine is a vinca alkaloid sold in the U.S. under 2 brand and generic names, for breast neoplasms, choriocarcinoma and head and neck neoplasms. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Vinca Alkaloid
Treats: Breast Neoplasms, Choriocarcinoma and Head and Neck Neoplasms
Available as: Injectable
Sold as: 2 products — Velban and Vinblastine Sulfate
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Boxed warning: Boxed warning

How vinblastine is dosed

From the FDA label for Velban (application NDA012665). Other vinblastine products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

This preparation is for intravenous use only (see WARNINGS ). Special Dispensing Information - To reduce the potential for fatal medication errors due to incorrect route of administration, vinblastine sulfate injection should be diluted in a flexible plastic container and prominently labeled (as indicated), “FOR INTRAVENOUS USE ONLY – FATAL IF GIVEN BY OTHER ROUTES.” (see WARNINGS ). Preparation for flexible plastic container Vinblastine sulfate injection when diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride injection to concentrations of 0.1 mg/mL to 0.4 mg/mL is stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours when protected from light or 8 hours in normal light. Caution–It is extremely important that the intravenous needle or catheter be properly positioned before any vinblastine sulfate is injected. Leakage into surrounding tissue during intravenous administration of vinblastine sulfate may cause considerable irritation. If extravasation occurs, the injection should be discontinued immediately and any remaining portion of the dose should then be introduced into another vein. Local injection of hyaluronidase and the application of moderate heat to the area of leakage will help disperse the drug and may minimize discomfort and the possibility of cellulitis. There are variations in the depth of the leukopenic response that follows therapy with vinblastine sulfate.…

Vinblastine side effects

Prior to the use of the drug, patients should be advised of the possibility of untoward symptoms . In general, the incidence of adverse reactions attending the use of vinblastine sulfate appears to be related to the size of the dose employed. With the exception of epilation, leukopenia and neurologic side effects, adverse reactions generally have not persisted for longer than 24 hours. Neurologic side effects are not common; but when they do occur, they often last for more than 24 hours. Leukopenia, the most common adverse reaction, is usually the dose-limiting factor. The following are manifestations that have been reported as adverse reactions, in decreasing order of frequency. The most common adverse reactions are underlined: Hematologic - Leukopenia (granulocytopenia), anemia, thrombocytopenia (myelosuppression). Dermatologic - Alopecia is common. A single case of light sensitivity associated with this product has been reported. Gastrointestinal - Constipation , anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, ileus, vesiculation of the mouth, pharyngitis, diarrhea, hemorrhagic enterocolitis, bleeding from an old peptic ulcer and rectal bleeding. Neurologic - Numbness of digits (paresthesias), loss of deep tendon reflexes, peripheral neuritis, mental depression, headache, convulsions. Treatment with vinca alkaloids has resulted rarely in both vestibular and…

Every vinblastine product we track (2)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Vinblastine products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Velban Boxed warning	Not yet rated	Prescription	Injectable	—	—	View →
2	Vinblastine Sulfate

Frequently asked questions

What is vinblastine?: Vinblastine sulfate is the salt of an alkaloid extracted from Vinca rosea Linn., a common flowering herb known as the periwinkle (more properly known as Catharanthus roseus G. Don). Previously, the generic name was vincaleukoblastine, abbreviated VLB. It is a stathmokinetic oncolytic agent. When treated in vitro with this preparation, growing cells are arrested in metaphase. Chemical and physical evidence indicate that vinblastine sulfate is a dimeric alkaloid containing both indole and dihydroindole moieties. The accompanying structural formula has been proposed. C 46 H 58 N 4 O 9 •H 2 SO 4 M.W. 909.06 Each mL contains: Vinblastine sulfate 1 mg; sodium chloride 9 mg; benzyl alcohol 0.9% (v/v) as a preservative; water for injection, q.s. (pH 3.5 to 5.0). vinbl-struc-01.jpg
What kind of drug is vinblastine?: The FDA classifies vinblastine as a vinca alkaloid. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take vinblastine with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run vinblastine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is vinblastine sold under?: We track 2 vinblastine-containing products in the U.S.: Velban and Vinblastine Sulfate. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does vinblastine come in?: Across the brands we track, vinblastine is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.