Vinorelbine
- Medical Review: Meghan O'Regan Coleman, DNP, RN, CRNP-BC, AOCNP, ACHPN
Vinorelbine (Navelbine) is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat metastatic breast cancer.
Vinorelbine is a type of chemotherapy called a microtubule inhibitor. A microtubule is part of a cell that provides structure and helps with cell division.
Made from the periwinkle plant, vinorelbine belongs to the family of plant agents called vinca alkaloids.
How vinorelbine works
Vinorelbine stops cancer cells from growing by damaging microtubules, tube-like structures that form the “skeleton” of the cells. This prevents cancer cells from growing and dividing normally, causing them to die.
Who gets vinorelbine
Vinorelbine is typically used to treat metastatic breast cancer. It may be used for all types of breast cancer, including triple-negative metastatic breast cancer. It can also be used with targeted therapy, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), to treat HER2-positive breast cancers.
How vinorelbine is given
Vinorelbine is given into the vein once a week and may be used alone or with other chemotherapy medicines.
Side effects and things to remember
Common side effects include:
- Low blood counts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Menopausal symptoms
Before starting vinorelbine, tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines, as well as any other medical conditions. You will have regular blood tests during treatment.
You should avoid becoming pregnant while you are receiving vinorelbine. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or may be pregnant while you are having treatment.
Your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse can help you manage your side effects. You can also go to our section on Side Effects for more information.
Stay connected
Sign up to receive emotional support, medical insight, personal stories, and more, delivered to your inbox weekly.
Reviewed and updated: June 11, 2026
Reviewed by: Meghan O'Regan Coleman, DNP, RN, CRNP-BC, AOCNP, ACHPN
Tagged:
Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.