What is Bleomycin?
Bleomycin is a cancer care drug. This includes, among others, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-lymphoma, Hodgkin’s testicular, ovarian, and cervical cancer. It can be administered intravenously, by injection into a muscle or under the skin, usually used with other cancer drugs.
Bleomycin Uses
Bleomycin is used in cancer care. This drug can also be used to manage the build-up of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) caused by tumors that have spread to the lungs. It works by slowing or preventing the growth of cancer cells. Bleomycin is inserted in the space around the lungs through a chest tube for this disease.
How to Use Bleomycin?
This drug is administered by injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin by a medical professional, usually once or twice a week or as prescribed by your doctor. This drug is injected steadily over a duration of 10 minutes when it is administered into a vein. If you feel some chest pain, inform your health care provider right away. There may be a need to pause or inject the drug more slowly. The dose depends on your medical condition, body size and treatment reaction.
If this drug is administered into the space around the lungs through a chest tube, the solution is usually left in place for 4 hours and then drained out through the chest tube. To ensure the solution treats all parts of your lungs, your doctor may instruct you to change positions during the 4-hour period.
Bleomycin Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Bleomycin:
- Pain/redness at the injection site
- Fever
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Darkening of the skin
- Changes in fingernails/toenails
- Changes in diet schedule
- Eating several small meals
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Temporary hair loss
Oral and Throat Side Effects
- Painful sores on the lips
- Mouth sores and throat
Skin Reactions
- Redness
- Itching
- Blisters
- Rash
- Swelling
Cardiovascular and Neurological Effects
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fast/pounding heartbeat
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Feeling of coldness in hands/feet
Bleeding and Bruising
- Easy bruising/bleeding
- Pale/bluish skin
- Coughing up blood
- Vomit that might look bloody or like coffee grounds
Signs of Infection
- Persistent sore throat
Kidney Problems
- Change in the urine
- Pink urine
Gastrointestinal Effects
- Persistent nausea
- Stomach pain
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
Jaundice
- Yellowing eyes/skin
Severe Symptoms
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Vision changes
- Trouble speaking
- Chest pain
Precautions To Be Taken
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist whether you are allergic to bleomycin, or if you have any other allergies before using bleomycin. There might be some inactive ingredients in this substance that may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, including HIV disease, diabetes, kidney disease, before taking this drug.Sugar is present in this product. If you have diabetes, caution is recommended.
- Inquire about the appropriate use of this medication with your doctor or pharmacist. Denture wearers need to be vigilant during treatment with this drug to properly clean and protect their dentures.This medicine should only be used when it is urgently required during pregnancy.
- As you get older, kidney function decreases. This drug is processed by the kidneys, so elderly people could be at higher risk for side effects, such as lung problems.
- During pregnancy, this drug is not approved for use because it could affect the unborn baby. For more information, contact your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you might be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
- It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the child, it is not advised to breast-feed while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Note
Laboratory and medical tests, such as kidney and liver function tests, complete blood count, blood mineral levels, and hearing tests, should be performed while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all medical and laboratory appointments.
Missed dose
It is important to take each dose of this medicine as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a new dosing schedule immediately.
Overdose
Never take more doses than what is preferred. If someone has taken overdoses, immediately take them to the medical emergency.
Bleomycin vs Zeocin
| Bleomycin | Zeocin |
|---|---|
| Formula – C55H85N17O25S4 | Formula: C55H86N20O21S2 |
| Bleomycin is a medication used for treating cancer. | A glycopeptide antibiotic |
| This drug can also be used to manage the build-up of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) caused by tumors that have spread to the lungs. | Is effective against most bacteria, filamentous fungi |
| Molecular Weight 1512.6 g/mol | Molecular Weight 1427.5 g/mol |
