Bleomycin is an antibiotic that slows or stops the growth of cancer cells.
What is Bleomycin?
Bleomycin is used alone or in combination with other drugs during chemotherapy against tumors of the head and neck, penis, testicles, cervix or vulva. It can also be used to treat lymphoma (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) and at times, it can also be used to treat Kaposi sarcoma associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
How should Bleomycin be taken?
Bleomycin is administered via injection intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The treatment typically involves one or two injections a week and it must be performed by medical personnel. In the case of pleural effusions, the injection can be administered in the chest cavity through a tube which is passed through the skin.
Side effects associated with Bleomycin
Bleomycin can cause dangerous problems to the lungs, especially in older people and in those who take high doses. It can also trigger severe allergic reactions in those who take it to treat lymphoma.
The possible side effects of Bleomycin include the following:
- Redness, or thickening of the skin, blisters or sensitivity to touch
- Skin that darkens
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sores in the mouth or on the tongue
- Rash
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if Bleomycin triggers:
- Sudden dizziness
- Chest pain
- Severe and sudden headaches
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden weakness of the face, arms or legs of one side of the body
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Decreased urination
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Bleomycin
Before treatment with Bleomycin, it is important to tell your doctor:
- If you have any allergies to the active substance or any of its excipients
- If you are taking any medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from kidney or lung disease
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
In any case, it is important to inform surgeons or dentists of any ongoing treatment with bleomycin.
