[4/21/22] FDA worked with drug application holders to remove instructions for preparation of vinca alkaloids by syringe and to recommend preparation in intravenous infusion bags only. These labeling updates are complete, and the updated prescribing information for vinca alkaloids now contains instructions for health care professionals to only prepare these drugs in intravenous infusion bags.

[1/15/21] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care professionals to labeling updates for the preparation of vinca alkaloids, a group of chemotherapy agents that includes vincristine sulfate injection, vinblastine sulfate (for) injection, and vinorelbine tartrate injection. To reduce the potential for unintended intrathecal (spinal) administration, which causes death or severe neurological injury, FDA is working with drug application holders to remove instructions for preparation of these drugs by syringe and to recommend preparation in intravenous infusion bags only.

In 2007, the World Health Organization issued an alert about medication errors related to accidental intrathecal injection of vinca alkaloids. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has published multiple reports about these wrong route-of-administration medication errors that resulted in adverse outcomes. In response, FDA has twice strengthened safety warnings in labeling for vinca alkaloids to warn against intrathecal administration and emphasize the products are for intravenous administration only. As published data suggests that dispensing vinca alkaloids prepared in intravenous bags reduces the risk of medication errors due to erroneous intrathecal administration, FDA is taking action to remove instructions for preparing vinca alkaloids in a syringe from the prescribing information for vinca alkaloids. The updated prescribing information for vinca alkaloids will only contain instructions for Health care professionals to prepare these drugs in intravenous infusion bags.

On January 24, 2020, FDA approved labeling changes for the brand name Navelbine (vinorelbine tartrate injection) that removed instructions for preparing it in a syringe, and drug companies are required to update generic vinorelbine product labeling to match the brand name labeling. Vinorelbine tartrate injection is indicated to treat patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and, in combination with cisplatin, for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.

On January 14, 2021, the agency removed instructions for preparing vincristine sulfate injection in a syringe. Vincristine sulfate injection is indicated to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia in children and adults, and as part of combination chemotherapy for patients with Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s malignant lymphomas (including Burkitt’s lymphoma), rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms’ tumor.

FDA also requested more extensive labeling changes for the preparation of vinblastine sulfate (for) injection products. These labeling changes will remove instructions for preparation in a syringe and add instructions for preparation in an intravenous infusion bag. The changes should be completed during 2021.

Vinblastine sulfate injection is indicated to treat numerous malignancies including: generalized Hodgkin’s disease (Stages III and IV), lymphocytic lymphoma, histiocytic lymphoma, mycosis fungoides (advanced stages), and advanced testicular carcinoma.

FDA encourages health care professionals and patients to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of vinca alkaloid products to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:

• Complete and submit the report online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm; or
• Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.