Bleomycin

• Used for the treatment of certain cancers, including prostate, breast, lymphoma, melanoma, and cancers of the head, neck, and lungs.

When should one not use Bleomycin

• If you have a known severe hypersensitivity or systemic allergic reaction to bleomycin or any of its ingredients.
• Bleomycin should be used with particular caution in patients with significant lung disease or impaired kidney function because these conditions can increase the risk of toxicity.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms
• Skin hyperpigmentation, thickening, and nail changes
• Stomatitis (sore mouth) and loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair thinning or loss (alopecia)
• Pulmonary Toxicity (Pneumonitis / Pulmonary Fibrosis): Progressive shortness of breath, dry cough, rales, or difficulty breathing on exertion.
• Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis): Severe rash, hives, swelling of the face, low blood pressure, or sudden trouble breathing.
• Acute Idiosyncratic / Hyperpyrexic Reaction: High fever, chills, wheezing, confusion, or low blood pressure, particularly after administration.

Other General Warnings

• Consult your doctor if you:
• Have a history of lung disease, kidney dysfunction, or prior chest radiation.
• Develop persistent dry cough, chest tightness, or fever following your injection.
• Are scheduled for surgery or a procedure requiring anaesthesia or supplemental oxygen and have previously received bleomycin.
• Monitor for dry cough, fever, or shortness of breath and report these symptoms immediately.
• Inform your doctor of prior bleomycin therapy before any procedure requiring supplemental oxygen or anaesthesia.
• Your doctor may arrange lung function assessment before and during treatment, depending on your treatment regimen and individual risk factors.
• Healthcare personnel dispose of unused solution or empty vials following standard clinical cytotoxic waste procedures.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Oxygen: High oxygen levels, especially during surgery or anaesthesia, may increase the risk of lung damage after bleomycin treatment. Always tell your doctor or anaesthetist if you have received bleomycin.
• Cisplatin: May increase bleomycin levels in the body and raise the risk of side effects, including lung problems.
• G-CSF medicines such as filgrastim: May increase the risk of lung toxicity when used with bleomycin. Your doctor will monitor you closely.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you take.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose