An antibiotic/antineoplastic - treats Hodgkin's Disease, Malignant Pleural Effusion, Squamous Cell C... more
FDA Alerts
Administer only under supervision of qualified clinicians experienced in use of cytotoxic therapy and only in a setting where adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available.
Risk of developing pulmonary toxicity (e.g., pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis), particularly in geriatric patients >70 years of age and in patients receiving total bleomycin dosage >400 units. (See Pulmonary Toxicity under Cautions.)
Risk of severe idiosyncratic reaction (e.g., hypotension, mental confusion, fever, chills, wheezing) in patients with Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s disease. (See Sensitivity Reactions under Cautions.)
Before using bleomycin, tell your doctor if you have had previous treatment with other
cancer drugs or radiation treatment. You may not be able to take bleomycin, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with bleomycin. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with bleomycin.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects from bleomycin, seek emergency
medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
fever or chills;
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; or
dizziness or mental confusion.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
taking bleomycin and talk to your doctor if you experience:
hair loss; or
skin redness, rash, darkening of the skin, hardening of the
skin, or tenderness of the skin;
nail changes;
itching;
mouth sores;
pain at the tumor site;
vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any
side effect that occurs during treatment with bleomycin.
Print
Email
Save
FDA Alerts
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
