Bleomycin: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Bleomycin is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat various types of cancer, including lymphoma, cervical, and testicular cancer. It is usually given as an injection under medical supervision. Bleomycin works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, which stops them from growing and multiplying.

The dose depends on the type of cancer and the patient's condition. While effective, it may cause side effects such as fever, skin changes, or lung problems, so regular monitoring is crucial during treatment.

What is Bleomycin?

Bleomycin is a cancer care drug. This includes, among others, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin 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 an anti-cancer medicine mainly used in chemotherapy. It helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. It is commonly used to treat cancers such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular cancer, cervical cancer, and some head and neck cancers.

What Conditions Does Bleomycin Injection Treat

• Hodgkins lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
• Testicular cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Head and neck cancers
• Skin cancer (in certain cases)

Secondary Uses of Bleomycin

• Used in pleurodesis to treat pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs)
• May be used for certain skin tumours or warts (rare)

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.

How Does Bleomycin Work?

Bleomycin works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells. This damage stops the cells from dividing and growing. It primarily targets rapidly growing cells, such as those found in cancer. Bleomycin interacts with oxygen and metals inside the body to produce substances that break DNA strands. This makes it hard for cancer cells to survive and multiply.

Bleomycin Dosage

Bleomycin is given as an injection by a healthcare professional, either into a vein, muscle, or under the skin. The dosage depends on various factors, including the type of cancer, body weight, age, and kidney function. A common dose may range from 10 to 20 units once or twice a week, but it varies based on the individual case. Your doctor will determine the right dosage and frequency for your treatment plan.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

Since Bleomycin is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting, missed doses are unlikely. If you miss an appointment, inform your healthcare provider immediately to reschedule. Do not attempt to take the dose on your own.

What Happens if an Overdose Occurs?

An overdose of Bleomycin is serious and needs emergency medical care. It can cause severe damage, especially to the lungs.

Symptoms of Overdose May Include:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Fever and chills
• Skin or nail changes

If an overdose is suspected, contact emergency services or go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Bleomycin Side Effects

Bleomycin can cause side effects such as lung toxicity, skin changes, and fever due to its interference with DNA synthesis. It damages cancer cells but can also harm normal tissues, especially in the lungs and skin, leading to inflammation or fibrosis.

Common Side Effects

These side effects are usually mild and may improve as your body adjusts to the medicine:

• Fever or chills after injection
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Skin changes like darkening or peeling
• Mouth sores
• Dark urine
• Hair thinning or loss
• Darkening of the skin

Serious but Rare Side Effects

These require immediate medical attention:

• Lung damage (persistent cough, shortness of breath)
• Chest pain or tightness
• Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Kidney or liver function changes

Why this is critical: Bleomycin is known to cause lung toxicity in some people, especially with higher doses or long-term use. Monitoring lung function throughout treatment is essential to catch early signs of damage.

Precautions and Warnings

Bleomycin should be avoided by individuals who are allergic to it or have a history of lung disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this medicine unless absolutely necessary and prescribed by a doctor. It is generally not recommended for children unless under specialist care.

Who Should Avoid This Medicine?

• Existing lung conditions (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis, asthma)
• Kidney or liver problems
• History of allergic reactions to chemotherapy
• Elderly patients (greater risk of lung side effects)

Are There Any Age Restrictions?

Bleomycin is mainly used in adults. If used in children, it requires special care and monitoring. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to lung-related side effects and need close supervision during treatment.

Alcohol or Food Interactions

There are no direct food restrictions while taking Bleomycin, but alcohol should be limited or avoided, as it can worsen liver function and increase side effect risks.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

Bleomycin may interact with other drugs, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing effectiveness. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products.

• Other chemotherapy agents (increased risk of lung toxicity)
• Drugs that affect the immune system
• Oxygen therapy (especially during surgery)
• Radiation therapy (can increase lung side effects)

Herbal and Supplement Interactions

Some herbal supplements, like St. Johns Wort or high-dose antioxidants, may interfere with Bleomycin's effectiveness. Discuss all supplements with your doctor before use.

How Should Bleomycin Be Stored?

Bleomycin should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). It must be kept away from light, moisture, and heat. Do not freeze.

What Happens If Bleomycin Is Not Stored Properly?

Improper storage can make the medicine less effective or unsafe to use. If the solution appears cloudy or has particles, do not use it. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor if you're unsure about the storage conditions of your medication.

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