Drugs & Vitamins

Bleomycin Active Ingredients: Bleomycin Representative Names: Blenoxane What is bleomycin injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with bleomycin? What side effects may I notice from receiving bleomycin? What should I watch for while taking bleomycin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is bleomycin injection? (Back to top) BLEOMYCIN (Blenoxane®) is a chemotherapy used for treating many kinds of cancer including cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphomas, and testicular cancer. Bleomycin can be used alone or in combination with other anti cancer medicines. Bleomycin is also used to stop fluid from gathering around your lungs (i.e., effusions) and to treat warts. Generic bleomycin injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •infection (bacterial, viral or fungal) •kidney disease •lung disease, especially fibrosis •previous or are currently smoking tobacco •previous radiation therapy •Raynaud's disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to bleomycin, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Bleomycin is for injection into a muscle or under the skin, or infusion into a vein. Many times there is a test dose before the full dose is given. Bleomcyin may also be given through a special tube into the cavity around your lungs. Sometimes bleomycin is injected into a wart. This drug is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting by a trained health care professional. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) It is important not to miss a dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment. What drug(s) may interact with bleomycin? (Back to top) •certain antibiotics given by injection •cisplatin •cyclosporine •diuretics (water pills) •foscarnet •vaccines Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving bleomycin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •chest pain •confusion •cough •difficulty breathing, wheezing •feeling faint •fever •skin rash, hives •unusual tiredness or weakness •vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •chills •darkened, discolored skin •hair loss •itching •loss of appetite •malaise or feeling tired •nail changes •nausea •tender, painful skin, at the injection site What should I watch for while taking bleomycin? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Bleomycin may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because bleomycin affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or cough after you have been given the medicine. Chills can be common during bleomycin administration and will be treated by your prescriber if needed. Do not treat yourself. Avoid smoking while you are receiving bleomycin. Smoking can increase the risk of serious lung damage. Men and women of childbearing age should use effective birth control methods during bleomycin treatment. There is a risk of birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant and is being treated with bleomycin. Women should not become pregnant while being treated with idarubicin or if their partner is being treated with bleomycin. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are receiving or have received bleomycin. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. You will not be given this medicine to take at home. Last Updated:10/04/2002 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.