Bleomycin



Blenoxane®







Bleomycin

(blee oh MYE sin)

U.S. Brand Names
Blenoxane®
Canadian Brand Names
Blenoxane®; Bleomycin Injection, USP
Mexican Brand Names
Blanoxan®; Bleolem®
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agent, Antibiotic
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • This medicine may cause severe lung damage. The elderly and people receiving a large total dose (greater than 400 units) are more at risk. Call healthcare provider right away if you have difficulty breathing. Reactions can occur during or several hours after your first or second dose of medicine. Tell healthcare provider if you are feeling dizzy, are unable to think clearly, have fever, chills, or wheezing.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to bleomycin or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have lung disease.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of cancers.
  • This medicine is used to prevent fluid build up in the lung cavity.
How does it work?
  • Bleomycin injures cancer cells causing their death.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle, vein, or into the fatty part of the skin.
  • This medicine is given into the lung cavity.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call healthcare provider for appointment.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you are 75 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you are a heavy smoker, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have had radiation therapy, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Skin irritation.
  • Lung damage can occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Persistent cough.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: