Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 10, 2022.
Pulmonary fibrosis is the most severe toxicity for bleomycin and its most frequent presentation is pneumonitis occasionally progressing to pulmonary fibrosis. Its occurrence is higher in elderly patients and in those receiving greater than 400 units total dose, but pulmonary toxicity has been observed in young patients and those treated with low doses. A severe idiosyncratic reaction consisting of hypotension, mental confusion, fever, chills, and wheezing has been reported in lymphoma patients treated with bleomycin .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Blenoxane
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic
Uses for bleomycin
Bleomycin belongs to the general group of medicines called antineoplastics. It is used to treat several types of cancer, including cervix and uterus cancer, head and neck cancer, testicle and penile cancer, and certain types of lymphoma. Bleomycin also may used for other conditions, as determined by your doctor.
Bleomycin seems to act by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by bleomycin, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like darkening of skin or hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with bleomycin, you and your doctor should talk about the good bleomycin will do as well as the risks of using it.
Bleomycin is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Before using bleomycin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For bleomycin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to bleomycin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any oth..
