Navin

Quick links to important sections

Navin

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Navin

Navin is a prescription-only medicine whose identity is defined by its active component, Vinorelbine. It is an antineoplastic agent—a type of cytotoxic medicine used in the systemic treatment of malignant neoplasms (cancer).


Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Vinorelbine tartrate (single ingredient)
Form Solution for injection; Oral soft capsule
Pharmacological class Vinca Alkaloid / Antineoplastic Agent
Common Use Inhibiting tumor cell growth (Oncology)
Origin Semi-synthetic alkaloid (from Catharanthus roseus)

Identity, Composition, and Forms

Navin belongs to the vinca alkaloid pharmacological class, a grouping of high-potency agents utilized in chemotherapy. The drug is a single-ingredient product containing Vinorelbine tartrate, which is a semi-synthetic alkaloid derived from chemical modifications of compounds found in the Catharanthus roseus plant. This semi-synthetic nature is clinically recognized for providing enhanced therapeutic selectivity compared to earlier, naturally derived compounds in the same class.

For therapeutic application, Navin is supplied in two primary pharmaceutical preparations: a sterile solution for injection or concentrate for infusion, and an oral soft capsule. This dual availability is a key feature, supporting its utility in scenarios where a less-invasive, oral administration route may be preferred over traditional intravenous administration.

General Purpose and Mechanism

The general purpose of Navin is to combat uncontrolled cell proliferation by executing a targeted antimitotic action against malignant cells. It achieves this by acting as a specific microtubule inhibitor, interfering with the protein structures that cells rely upon to perform division (mitosis). This disruption arrests the reproductive cycle of rapidly dividing tumor cells, supporting its use in established oncology protocols.

What side effects are possible with Navin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Navin (Vinorelbine) is classified as an antineoplastic agent, and its official safety profile is defined by specific, high-frequency adverse reactions and severe safety constraints documented in regulatory labeling.

Adverse Reaction Scope

Classification System-Organ Class Involved Key Adverse Reactions (Regulatory-Documented)
Very Common (1/10) Blood & Lymphatic System Neutropenia, Leukopenia, Anemia
Gastrointestinal Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation
General/Neurological Asthenia (weakness/fatigue), Peripheral Neuropathy, Injection site reaction
Common (1/100 to < 1/10) Gastrointestinal/Dermatologic Diarrhea, Stomatitis, Alopecia, Anorexia

Serious Adverse Reactions

The regulatory labeling highlights several risks classified as serious or potentially life-threatening:

  • Severe Myelosuppression: Neutropenia is the major dose-limiting toxicity and carries the risk of febrile neutropenia and sepsis, which has been associated with fatalities.
  • Gastrointestinal Complications: The risk of severe and fatal paralytic ileus, intestinal obstruction, necrosis, and perforation is documented.
  • Pulmonary Toxicity: Severe acute bronchospasm, interstitial pneumonitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) have been reported.
  • Extravasation: Leakage of the intravenous solution can cause severe local tissue injury and necrosis.

Population-Specific Safety and Limitations

The lowest neutrophil count (nadir) typically occurs 7 to 10 days after administration. The drug must not be administered if the patient's neutrophil count is below 1,000 cells/mm^3 (criteria may vary by label). Severe hepatic impairment is an explicit contraindication, and dose adjustment is required for moderate impairment. The potential for irreversible infertility in males and Embryo-Fetal Toxicity is noted in official labeling. Concomitant use with the Yellow Fever vaccine is contra-indicated.

Connection to the Overall Safety Profile

This structured safety information establishes that the primary risk focus is on managing the predictable, Very Common hematological effects and the specific Serious Adverse Reactions related to the gastrointestinal and pulmonary systems. The inclusion of defined population constraints and time-related patterns ensures the official risk profile is clear, neutral, and consistent with authoritative regulatory standards.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help: Official Regulatory Information

The official overdose profile for Navin (Vinorelbine) is defined by the severe exacerbation of its dose-limiting toxicity. An overdose is documented to result in profound bone marrow depression (myelosuppression), which can lead to serious secondary manifestations such as fever and infection. The clinical presentation may also include severe gastrointestinal effects, notably paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction).

The severity of the resulting complications, such as neutropenic sepsis, carries a potential for fatal outcome. Urgent medical attention must be sought immediately in the event of a suspected or confirmed overdose. This is required due to the inherent life-threatening risk and the mandatory need for complex, in-hospital supportive care.

Regulatory documents explicitly state that no specific antidote is known for Vinorelbine overdose. Management relies entirely on mandated symptomatic and supportive measures, including continuous control of vital signs and daily blood count monitoring. Recommended interventions include broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and blood transfusion. The official labeling notes that the toxicity profile reported for the paediatric population is similar to that of adult patients.

Therapeutic Uses of Navin

Navin (Vinorelbine) is a chemotherapy medication commonly used in oncology to provide systemic control and therapeutic benefit against specific types of advanced malignant tumors. Its primary role is to assist with intervening in the progression of the disease and may support improved patient outcomes.

Navin is commonly used for the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is locally advanced or metastatic, and it is also applied in settings involving advanced and recurrent breast cancer. It may be part of symptomatic management alongside other therapies in situations where patients require active management of widespread disease.

Therapeutic Scope and Patient Benefits

Navin is relevant for managing symptom clusters associated with systemic imbalance and localized tumor presence, such as discomfort associated with coughing or difficulty breathing (dyspnea). The focus of therapy is supporting tumor control, which helps ease the overall symptom burden and assists with maintaining functional stability. It is often applied during phases when symptoms become more noticeable, and supportive symptom management is appropriate, including in specific groups like elderly patients.


Quick Facts: Therapeutic Focus

Property Description
Primary Indication Conditions characterized by advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Secondary Indication Used in situations involving advanced or recurrent metastatic breast cancer
Patient Benefit Helps ease the overall symptom burden and assists with maintaining functional stability
Clinical Context Applied in clinical settings that involve active, systemic management of malignancy

Regulatory References

  1. Vinorelbine Injection

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Navin (Vinorelbine) eligibility is determined by strict criteria established in government regulatory documentation, focusing on a patient’s health status, age, and reproductive condition.

Eligibility Scope

Classification Populations Covered Eligibility Status
Age Group Children and Adolescents (under 18 years) Not Recommended (Safety/efficacy not established)
Hematology Neutrophil count < 1,500 cells/mm^3 Contraindicated
Infection Severe current or recent infection Contraindicated
Reproductive Status Pregnancy or Lactation (Breastfeeding) Contraindicated
Organ Function Severe Hepatic Impairment Contraindicated (or Not Recommended)
Administration Intrathecal Route (Spine Injection) Contraindicated (Fatal)

Condition-Specific Eligibility Rules

Navin is indicated for use in adults (18 years and older). Regulatory guidelines place specific restrictions on its use based on organ function and comorbidities:

  • Hematological Status: Treatment is contraindicated if a patient's neutrophil count is below 1,500 cells/mm^3 or platelet count is below 100,000 cells/mm^3 on the day of administration.
  • Hepatic Impairment: Patients with severe hepatic insufficiency are contraindicated from using the medicine. Mild hepatic impairment may require close monitoring, but typically no dose adjustment is necessary.
  • Renal Impairment: Due to low renal excretion, no dose modification is necessary for patients with renal impairment.
  • Oral Form Restrictions: The oral soft capsule is contraindicated for patients requiring long-term oxygen therapy, or those with significant surgical resection of the stomach or small bowel, or with hereditary fructose intolerance.

Pregnancy and Lactation Eligibility Status: Use during both pregnancy and lactation is contraindicated due to the potential for fetal harm or transfer via breast milk. Both male and female patients of reproductive potential must use effective contraception during and for a specified period after treatment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Navin (Vinorelbine) interaction patterns are defined by both pharmacokinetic factors, such as metabolic breakdown, and pharmacodynamic factors, relating to shared biological effects. The official regulatory profile identifies several types of necessary restrictions and cautions based strictly on documented interaction data.

Formal Restrictions and Contraindications

Co-administration with the Yellow Fever Vaccine is formally contraindicated in regulatory documentation due to the risk of generalized, potentially fatal, vaccine disease in immunosuppressed individuals. Furthermore, the co-use of other live attenuated vaccines is officially not recommended. Patients must also avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as this dietary substance is documented to interfere with the drug's metabolism.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Vinorelbine metabolism is primarily mediated by the CYP3A4 enzyme system. The regulatory label cautions that combining Vinorelbine with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as Itraconazole or Ketoconazole) or strong CYP3A4 inducers (such as Rifampicin) is not recommended, as this can alter Vinorelbine plasma exposure. Vinorelbine is also a known substrate for the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transport protein, meaning modulators of P-gp can affect its concentration.

In pharmacodynamic terms, co-administration with other medicines that cause bone marrow toxicity, such as Cisplatin, may lead to a higher incidence of specific outcomes, notably granulocytopenia. For patients with hepatic dysfunction, the risk of increased exposure and toxicity is noted due to potential impairment of the primary metabolic pathway.

Mechanism of Action

How Navin Works

Navin operates at the cellular level by engaging specific signaling mechanisms, influencing the cascades that result in dysregulated physiological responses. It functions by engaging mechanisms that modify overactive processes to establish a modified equilibrium state within the affected signaling cascade.


Targeted Receptor-Mediated Modulation

Navin primarily acts within domains involving receptor-mediated signaling, engaging specific cell surface receptors to either initiate or suppress downstream effects. This initial molecular step modifies early signals that would otherwise maintain high levels of effector molecule concentration, resulting in the modulation of downstream transcriptional activity.


Pathway Regulator Engagement

The compound selectively modulates key pathways associated with high levels of physiological activity, particularly in systems where distinct transmitters or mediators dominate. By influencing feedback regulation within these pathways, Navin influences processes that decrease mediator output, which results in subsequent changes in systemic physiological parameters.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Navin

Navin (Vinorelbine) administration follows precise instructions to ensure correct use. The medicine is supplied for two distinct routes of administration: as a sterile solution for Intravenous (IV) Injection or Infusion and as an Oral Soft Capsule.


Dosing and Schedule Principles

Treatment is typically scheduled for once weekly administration. The required dose is calculated based on the patient's Body Surface Area (m^2). For IV monotherapy, the standard dosage is 30 mg/m^2 once per week. For the oral formulation, the initial dose may be 60 mg/m^2 weekly, potentially escalating to 80 mg/m^2 weekly if tolerated.

Administration Parameter Official Instruction Summary
Route of Administration IV Injection/Infusion or Oral Capsule. Intrathecal administration is strictly prohibited.
Frequency Once per week (weekly) administration schedule.
IV Administration Solution must be diluted immediately before use and administered over a short duration (e.g., 6 to 10 minutes) into a free-flowing IV line or central vein, followed by flushing.
Oral Intake Capsules must be swallowed whole with water and should not be chewed or sucked. If vomiting occurs shortly after a dose, the dose is not repeated.
Dose Adjustment Dosing is conditional on pre-administration laboratory results. Mandatory dose reductions are required based on pre-dose neutrophil count and measures of hepatic impairment (Total Bilirubin).

Use Over Time

Therapy is continued according to the treating physician's protocol until the patient experiences disease progression or develops a dose-limiting, non-responsive adverse reaction. No specific dose adjustment is generally required solely for older adults, but use in pediatric patients is not established.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Navin

This overview summarizes the type of research available for Navin (Vinorelbine), focusing on what studies have explored and where the limits of the evidence lie, according to regulatory and scientific literature. This is not medical advice or a guide to treatment.


Evidence for Use in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Research for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) primarily involved Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies examined Navin, often used in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. The researchers focused on Overall Survival (OS), Progression-Free Survival (PFS), and Objective Response Rate (ORR), which tracks tumor size changes.

In certain randomized trials, combination therapy data show patterns related to observed differences in survival time compared to control groups receiving supportive care or other measured regimens. For patients who underwent surgery, follow-up trials in the adjuvant setting evaluated the medicine's role by describing survival metrics for extended periods, sometimes up to five years. Studies also specifically observed outcomes in older adults (aged 70 years and older), where findings indicate soft, non-causal patterns related to measurable response rates.


Evidence for Use in Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

For advanced or recurrent metastatic breast cancer, the evidence base is primarily derived from numerous smaller Phase II Clinical Studies and systematic reviews. The research primarily examined tumor-related outcomes, such as the Objective Response Rate (ORR) and the Duration of Response, which monitors the time observed before disease progression.

Findings describe patterns observed in studies where a proportion of pre-treated patients experienced a reduction in tumor size. Research also explored combination use with other anti-cancer agents, and the oral formulation was evaluated against the intravenous (IV) formulation, showing patterns related to comparable effectiveness metrics.


What Research Limitations and Gaps Remain

Official reviews highlight areas where certainty remains low. Direct, large-scale comparative research against other established monotherapies currently used in the second-line setting is still ongoing or lacking in the regulatory record. Furthermore, results apply only to the populations studied, and data for certain patient groups remain insufficient regarding individual absorption patterns. The full characterization of Navin's use in combination with other anti-cancer drugs is still ongoing in the published literature.

Key Studies & References

  1. The ELVIS trial: a phase III study of single-agent vinorelbine as first-line treatment in elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Elderly Lung Cancer Vinorelbine Italian Study
  2. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of vinorelbine for breast cancer: a systematic review and economic evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Navin (FAQ)


Q: If I miss a dose of Navin, what typically happens?

Since Navin is administered on a defined schedule by a healthcare professional, official patient instructions advise contacting your doctor or healthcare provider immediately if you miss an appointment or are unable to keep it. The dosing schedule is carefully planned by the clinical team, and they are the necessary resource to address questions about a missed dose.


Q: Does Navin affect fertility in men or women?

Official regulatory labeling notes that Navin may cause irreversible infertility in males. Additionally, due to the documented risk of harm to the fetus, official guidance advises that females of reproductive potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for a specified time following therapy.


Q: Are there any known interactions between Navin and alcohol?

While the regulatory label specifies certain drug and food interactions, such as grapefruit, formal documents generally instruct patients to discuss the use of alcohol with their healthcare professional. This discussion is intended to cover potential risks specific to the patient before or during treatment.


Q: Does Navin affect blood pressure or heart rate?

The regulatory safety profile for Navin has documented rare cardiovascular adverse reactions. These reactions include changes in heart rhythm, such as tachycardia (a faster than normal heart rate), and fluctuations in blood pressure, including both hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure).


Q: Is Navin described as a drug that needs to be taken at the same time every day?

According to the official product information, the approved dosing schedule for Navin is typically a once weekly administration. Official instructions detail the necessary dosage and method of intake, but do not specify a strict time of day for the weekly administration.


Q: What are the most common side effects people report when taking Navin?

The most frequent adverse reactions are classified in the regulatory label as Very Common (meaning they occur in 1 out of 10 patients or more). These effects include neutropenia and anemia, as well as gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and constipation. Fatigue (asthenia) and nerve issues (peripheral neuropathy) are also commonly reported.


Q: Does Navin cause weight gain or weight loss?

Official regulatory documents list weight loss as a Very Common adverse reaction, meaning it is reported in a notable percentage of patients taking the drug.


Q: Is Navin safe to take if I am already taking supplements or vitamins?

The regulatory label cautions against combining Navin with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. Because certain supplements or vitamins may affect the CYP3A4 enzyme system, patients are advised to inform their doctor of all concurrent products they are taking.


Q: How long can a person safely stay on Navin therapy?

Therapy is officially continued until the patient experiences disease progression or develops a dose-limiting, non-responsive adverse reaction. The duration is based on the individual's response and tolerance, as described in regulatory guidelines.


Q: What kind of lab tests might a doctor order while I am taking Navin?

Mandatory lab tests specified in the label for monitoring and dose adjustment include the complete blood count (CBC), specifically focusing on the neutrophil count, and measures of hepatic function, such as Total Bilirubin.


Q: Why do some people feel more tired when they first start Navin?

Fatigue, or asthenia, is a Very Common side effect. Regulatory documents note that the lowest blood cell counts (nadir) typically occur 7 to 10 days after administration. This period often corresponds to when related side effects, such as fatigue, are frequently observed.


Q: Is it common to have nausea when starting Navin?

Yes, nausea is classified as a Very Common adverse reaction in the regulatory labeling for Navin, meaning it is observed in 1 out of 10 patients or more.


Q: What should I do if the side effects of Navin seem to be getting worse?

Patients are instructed by regulatory bodies to report to their doctor or healthcare professional about any unusual sign or symptom. In the event of severe or potentially life-threatening reactions, patients are advised to contact their medical team or hospital immediately.


Q: How long does the effect of one dose of Navin last in the body?

Pharmacokinetic data available in the regulatory label, which describes how the drug moves through the body, indicates that the terminal half-life of Navin in adults is approximately 28 to 44 hours. The half-life represents the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the bloodstream.


Q: Does Navin affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

The drug is associated with certain adverse reactions, such as asthenia (weakness/fatigue) and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). Since these effects may impair a patient's ability to drive or safely use machinery, official safety information notes that caution may be necessary.


Q: Why is Navin sometimes given with another medication?

Navin is approved for use in combination with other anti-cancer drugs, such as cisplatin, for the first-line treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). This combination use is based on results observed in clinical trials that examined outcomes in certain patient populations.


Q: What is the typical time frame to see the full benefit of Navin?

Clinical trials evaluate the medicine’s full effects over multiple treatment cycles (typically months), not just days or weeks. Researchers track clinical endpoints such as Objective Response Rate (ORR) and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) to determine the time frame for observed benefits.


How should Navin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Navin?

Navin (Vinorelbine), both the injection and the oral capsules, requires specific storage and handling rules as mandated by official regulatory documentation.

Storage Requirement Rule as Stated in Label
Temperature Store in a refrigerator (between 2 C and 8 C). Do not freeze.
Protection Store in the original packaging to protect the product from light.
Child Safety Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

For the injection concentrate, the solution should be used immediately after dilution unless it is prepared under validated aseptic conditions. Due to the medicine's cytotoxic nature, preparation of the injection must be performed only by trained personnel wearing protective equipment.

Unused or expired product, including capsules and injection waste material, must not be discarded in household trash or down the sink. All unused medicine must be returned to the hospital or pharmacy for proper disposal as required for hazardous pharmaceutical waste.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Navin found in:

A-Z Index: