Medication Safety Issues
Vinorelbine may be confused with vinBLAStine, vinCRIStine
Vinorelbine (50 mg/5 mL; Hospira manufacturer) may be confused with conventional cytarabine (100 mg/5 mL; Hospira manufacturer) due to similar packaging; potential for inadvertent intrathecal administration of vinorelbine may occur (ISMP [Smetzer 2015]).
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drug classes (chemotherapeutic agent, parenteral and oral) which have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error (High-Alert Medications in Acute Care, Community/Ambulatory Care, and Long-Term Care Settings).
Vinorelbine is for IV administration only: Inadvertent intrathecal administration of other vinca alkaloids has resulted in death. The ISMP strongly recommends dispensing vinca alkaloids in a minibag, and NOT a syringe (ISMP 2020). Vinorelbine should NOT be prepared during the preparation of any intrathecal medications. After preparation, keep vinorelbine in a location away from the separate storage location recommended for intrathecal medications