Bleomycin is used to treat cancer. It works by slowing
or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
This medication may also be used to control the build-up
of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) caused by tumors that have
spread to the lungs. For this condition, bleomycin is placed in the space
around the lungs through a chest tube.
This medication is given by injection into a vein, into
a muscle, or under the skin by a health care professional. It is given as
directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a week. When giving this
medication into a vein, it is injected slowly over 10 minutes. Tell your
health care professional right away if you experience any chest pain. The
medication may need to be stopped or injected more slowly. The dosage is
based on your medical condition, body size, and response to
treatment.
If you are receiving this medication through a chest
tube into the space around the lungs, the solution is usually left in place
for 4 hours and then drained out through the chest tube. Your doctor may
direct you to change positions during the 4 hours to make sure the solution
treats all parts of your lungs.
See also Warning section.
Pain/redness at the injection site, fever, chills,
vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, darkening of the skin, or changes
in fingernails/toenails may occur. Changes in diet such as eating several
small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. In
some cases, drug treatment may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea
and vomiting. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor
or pharmacist promptly.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should
return after treatment has ended.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Painful sores on the lips, mouth, and throat may occur.
To decrease the risk, limit hot foods and drinks, brush your teeth
carefully, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol, and rinse your
mouth often with cool water.
Bleomycin can commonly cause skin reactions (such as
redness, itching, blisters, rash, swelling), usually in the second or third
week of treatment. These reactions are not always serious. However, you may
not be able to tell them apart from signs of a severe reaction. Tell your
doctor right away if you develop any skin reaction.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- nausea that doesn't stop
- dizziness/fainting
- fast/pounding heartbeat
- numbness/tingling
- feeling of coldness in hands/feet
- easy bruising/bleeding
- pale/bluish skin
- coughing up blood
- vomit that looks bloody or like coffee grounds
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine, pink urine)
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, aggression)
- stomach/abdominal pain
- dark urine
- yellowing eyes/skin
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- weakness on one side of the body
- vision changes
- trouble speaking
- chest pain
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- confusion
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using bleomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially:
- immune system problems (such as chemotherapy, bone marrow
problems)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- lung problems
This medication may make your lungs more sensitive to
oxygen treatment. Tell your doctor or dentist that you have used this
medication before having surgery or any treatment where oxygen may be
used.
Older adults may be at greater risk for side effects
(such as lung problems) while using this drug.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using bleomycin. Bleomycin
may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right
away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- brentuximab
- digoxin
- drugs that may harm the kidneys (for example, aminoglycosides
such as gentamicin, cisplatin)
- phenytoin
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as chest X-rays, complete
blood counts, kidney/liver function) should be done while you are using
this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor
for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
